elderlies

USAGE SUMMARY

'elderlies' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of elderly people, especially when talking in a more informal setting. For example: "We must look out for the elderlies in our neighbourhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The elderlies introduced themselves.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Police believe the man - a gerontophile with a predilection for elderly women - has broken into the homes of 98 pensioners in south-east London over the past 16 years, raping four of them and indecently assaulting 24.

The Guardian

"Physical activity should be targeted to the same extent as smoking with respect to public health prevention efforts in the elderly," they said.

The Guardian

I don't think Ukip has an answer to that," said one elderly man who did not want to be named.

The Guardian

He said he was not going to ask working-class Americans, students and the elderly to pay for reducing the deficit while those like himself earning more than $250,000 a year "were not asked to pay a dime more" in taxes.

The Guardian

"We don't kill families and we don't attack women or children or elderly people".

The Guardian

"Elderly people are like little children, they like attention".

The Guardian

The company attracted criticism for a poster that suggested betting on the chances of two elderly women crossing a road before being run over by an approaching lorry.

The Guardian

A spry elderly man scythed emerald green grass into stooks in a tiny field.

The Guardian - Travel

About 50 or 60 elderly and disabled people turned up at Barnsley railway station determined to continue our campaign for free train travel by travelling without paying on the train.

The Guardian

Many of us were elderly, some using one or two walking sticks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "elderlies" is understandable, prefer more common and respectful terms like "elderly people" or "older adults" in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "elderlies" to refer to all older people as a homogenous group. Recognize individual differences and preferences.

Linguistic Context

The term "elderlies" functions as a plural noun, referring to a group of elderly people. As stated by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable, although it is more appropriate for informal contexts. The provided example from The New Yorker illustrates its usage in narrative.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "elderlies" refers to a group of elderly people. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct but more suitable for informal contexts. While understandable, it's less common in formal writing, where phrases like "elderly people" or "older adults" are preferred. The provided example comes from The New Yorker. Overall, while technically correct, consider the context and audience when choosing between "elderlies" and its more widely accepted alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elderly people

A more formal and widely accepted term.

the elderly

A common and generally accepted term.

older adults

A respectful and commonly used phrase in healthcare and social contexts.

senior citizens

A common term, especially in the context of benefits and services.

those of advanced age

A formal and respectful way to refer to older individuals.

the aged

A more literary and somewhat outdated term.

mature individuals

A polite and respectful alternative, emphasizing experience and wisdom.

old people

A straightforward, though potentially less sensitive, term.

aging population

Focuses on the demographic trend rather than individuals.

the graying generation

A more metaphorical way to describe the elderly, focusing on hair color.

FAQs

Is "elderlies" a correct term to use?

While understandable, "elderlies" is less common than alternatives like "elderly people" or "older adults", which are generally preferred in formal contexts.

What's a more respectful way to refer to older people?

Using phrases like "older adults", "senior citizens", or "the elderly" is often considered more respectful than "elderlies".

When is it appropriate to use "elderlies"?

"Elderlies" might be acceptable in informal settings, but it's best to use more formal and widely accepted terms in professional or academic writing.

Are there any negative connotations associated with "elderlies"?

While not inherently negative, "elderlies" can sound diminutive or overly casual, making alternatives like "elderly people" or "older adults" preferable in most situations.