early age

USAGE SUMMARY

'early age' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about someone's or something's start or beginnings. For example, "He developed a passion for music at an early age".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need intervention at an early age.

The Guardian - Opinion

From an early age, she hugged strangers.

The New York Times

From an early age, Stroman visualized music.

The New Yorker

Georges began drawing at an early age.

The New York Times - Books

I was corrupted at an early age.

The New York Times - Science

Dworkin began writing at an early age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I liked music from an early age.

The New York Times

I loved words from an early age.

Independent

Schaffner was orphaned at an early age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ben Shalom Bernanke was brilliant at an early age.

Independent

Koolhaas's journeys began at an early age.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing influences or experiences, specify what aspect of the "early age" is relevant. For example, "From an early age, she was exposed to classical music, which shaped her musical tastes."

Common error

Avoid using "early age" as a vague reference. Instead of saying "Education is important from an early age", specify the type of education or skills to be developed during those years.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "early age" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, specifying when an action or state began. It indicates the initial period of someone's life, as confirmed by Ludwig, enabling the user to determine the starting point of an experience or characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "early age" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the initial period of someone's life. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general conversation. To enhance clarity, specify the context of the "early age" and avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "young age" or "formative years" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While versatile, be mindful of overgeneralization and provide specific details to strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

young age

Replaces "early" with "young", maintaining the core meaning of youthfulness or beginning.

early childhood

Specifically refers to the early years of a child's life, adding more context.

youth

A more concise term referring to the period of being young; less specific than "early age".

formative years

Emphasizes the impact of these early years on development and character.

impressionable age

Highlights the susceptibility to influence during this time.

tender age

Conveys a sense of vulnerability and innocence associated with youth.

developmental stage

Focuses on the phase of growth and maturation.

infancy

Refers specifically to the earliest stage of childhood, often the first year of life.

initial period

Broader term that can apply to any beginning phase, not just life stages.

beginning stages

Similar to "initial period", but emphasizes the unfolding process.

FAQs

How can I use "early age" in a sentence?

You can use "early age" to describe when someone started doing something or when something began to develop. For example, "He showed an interest in science at an "early age".

What are some alternatives to "early age"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "young age", "youth", or "early childhood".

Is it better to say "at an early age" or "from an early age"?

Both phrases are correct and commonly used. "At an early age" emphasizes a specific point in time, while "from an early age" suggests a continuous period starting in youth.

What's the difference between "early age" and "formative years"?

"Early age" refers to the initial period of life, while "formative years" emphasizes the impact of those years on development and character.