during formative years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during formative years" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the critical period of development in a person's life, typically during childhood and adolescence, when they are shaping their identity and values. Example: "The experiences we have during our formative years greatly influence our future decisions and relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

How could one fail to be blessed by such a graceful presence as Nambu's during formative years of one's life?

Huffington Post

This may suggest that certain popular books read during formative years have a strong influence on decisions made by the readers as young adults.

Huffington Post

While many minorities suffer oppression, from disenfranchisement to outright discrimination to persecution, few minorities additionally experience such extreme degrees of intimidated relational repression during formative years as the LGBT community.

Huffington Post

Pop music is at its base a form of creative theft, one in which each new generation of artists builds on the vibes and ideas that influenced them during formative years.

Los Angeles Times

Generational cohort theory [ 27, 30] suggests that historical events and social changes, particularly those experienced during formative years, affect the values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours of individuals and have lasting consequences.

BMC Women's Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In effect, Salafism is a still harder-line version of Wahabism, the puritanical form of Islam that Mr. bin Laden absorbed during his formative years in Saudi Arabia.

The New York Times

Here are six things life has taught her: I grew up during the Cultural Revolution, so I lived through that chaotic period during my formative years.

The Guardian

Also, it is during their formative years before university that students' predisposition and likeness towards mathematical ideas are formed.

Computers & Education

I read too many romance novels during my formative years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Emily and Matt always discussed becoming teachers, even during their formative years.

The New York Times - Sports

Some atypical developments occur through association during the formative years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific age range you are referring to. If it's solely childhood, using "during childhood" might be more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "during formative years" when referring to periods outside of childhood and adolescence. While experiences at any age can be formative, this phrase specifically implies early development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during formative years" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying the time period when something occurs. Ludwig AI identifies its correct usage in sentences describing developmental stages and influential experiences. Examples found by Ludwig illustrate its use in discussing the impact of historical events, books, and social environments.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "during formative years" is used to describe events or influences occurring during the crucial period of childhood and adolescence, shaping an individual's development. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and highlights that it is most frequently found in news and scientific contexts. While alternatives exist, "during formative years" effectively emphasizes the lasting impact of early experiences, though it is important to ensure this aligns with the timeframe you are discussing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in one's impressionable years

Highlights the susceptibility to influence during this period.

during the critical period of development

Emphasizes the importance of the developmental stage.

while growing up

Simplifies the phrase to a more common expression.

during youth

Simplifies the phrase to a concise synonym.

during childhood and adolescence

Specifies the typical time frame associated with formative years.

throughout one's upbringing

Emphasizes the influence of upbringing on development.

in one's early stages of development

Replaces "during formative years" with a more general description of early development.

in the early stages of life

A broader and less specific phrase for the early years.

in the developmental phase

Focuses on the developmental aspect, using a more clinical tone.

in one's younger days

An idiomatic alternative referring to a past period of youth.

FAQs

How can I use "during formative years" in a sentence?

You can use "during formative years" to describe a period of significant personal or intellectual development, as in "The books one reads "during formative years" can have a lasting impact."

What's another way to say "during formative years"?

Alternatives to "during formative years" include phrases like "in early development", "throughout childhood", or "in one's impressionable years", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "in my formative years" or "during my formative years"?

Both "in my formative years" and "during my formative years" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific flow of the sentence.

What makes the formative years so important?

Formative years are crucial because they are a period of rapid development and learning. Experiences "during formative years" shape our values, beliefs, and behaviors, influencing who we become as adults.