earliest ages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earliest ages" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the beginning periods of time in history or the early stages of development in a particular context. Example: "The study of human civilization dates back to the earliest ages, revealing insights into our ancestors' lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

And the lessons should start at the earliest ages possible.

The New York Times

Investing in children at the earliest ages is the only way to break the cycle of language-deficient adults raising language-starved children.

The New York Times

The fascination with gun violence, and the promotion of violence as the quick answer to so many of our ills, is programmed into us relentlessly, starting at the earliest ages.

The New York Times

With a college degree insufficient to ensure a high-income job, or even a job as a barista, parents are now investing more time and money in their children's cognitive development from the earliest ages.

The New York Times

Astronomers also didn't know whether the models held up as the universe cooled and expanded in its earliest ages.

Science Magazine

Autism is marked by overgrowth of the brain at the earliest ages but not at older ages when decreases in structural volumes and neuron numbers are observed instead.

Brain Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

In earlier ages, people consulted oracles.

The New York Times

Earlier ages (the Greeks, the Victorians, etc).

The New Yorker

The effect was more pronounced at early ages.

Construction and Building Materials

"They're coming out at earlier and earlier ages.

Huffington Post

It happens for some at earlier ages than for others.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing child development or education, use "earliest ages" to emphasize the importance of interventions or learning that begins very early in life.

Common error

Avoid assuming that interventions during the "earliest ages" are the only determinant of later outcomes. Acknowledge the influence of ongoing factors throughout life.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earliest ages" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier to specify the time frame or period being discussed. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earliest ages" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term, denoting the initial phases of life or development. As Ludwig AI states, its correct usage spans across various domains, notably science, news media, and formal business contexts. The term serves to emphasize the criticality of early interventions, formative experiences, or developmental milestones. While versatile, it's important to avoid overgeneralizing its impact and to acknowledge the influence of subsequent factors. Alternative phrases like "early childhood" or "formative years" offer nuanced options for conveying similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

early stages of life

A more clinical and descriptive alternative, suitable for scientific or formal contexts.

early days

Refers to the beginning period of something, whether it be a project, a relationship, or a historical era.

early childhood

Focuses on the period from infancy to around age 5, emphasizing developmental milestones and formative experiences.

initial period

Focuses on the commencement of a process or phase, rather than a specific age range.

formative years

Highlights the period of life when character and habits are established, typically childhood and adolescence.

the beginning

A simple and direct reference to the start of something, lacking the specific connotation of age.

infancy

Refers specifically to the early period of childhood, often emphasizing vulnerability and developmental stages.

tender age

Emphasizes the vulnerability and innocence associated with young children.

youth

A general term for the period of life before adulthood, encompassing childhood and adolescence.

dawn of time

Implies the very beginning of existence, often used in a historical or evolutionary context.

FAQs

How can I use "earliest ages" in a sentence?

You can use "earliest ages" to refer to the initial stages of life when discussing development, education, or healthcare, such as, "Investing in education at the "earliest ages" yields significant long-term benefits."

What phrases are similar to "earliest ages"?

Similar phrases include "early childhood", "formative years", or "infancy", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "early age" or "earliest ages"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "early age" refers to a general point in youth, while "earliest ages" emphasizes the very beginning stages of life, typically infancy and toddlerhood. The best choice depends on the specific context you want to highlight.

Why is early intervention important during the "earliest ages"?

Early intervention is crucial during the "earliest ages" because the brain is highly plastic and responsive to stimuli, making it an optimal time to address developmental delays or challenges.