exceptionally young

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptionally young" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is significantly younger than the average or expected age. Example: "The exceptionally young athlete broke several records at the competition, impressing everyone with their talent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

At thirty-six, he was exceptionally young for such a position.

The New Yorker

The effect was exceptionally young, like pretty ballerinas, and surely an homage to the sweet, young heiresses sitting front row.

The New York Times

However, a collapsed lung and heart infection at the exceptionally young age of twenty-one led to his departure from the group, the effects of which stayed with him.

Independent

With its exceptionally young and growing population – it's the youngest major city in Europe with almost 40% of its population under 25 – Birmingham naturally pays close attention to education.

The Guardian

And, though the lovely Elena Shaddow, as Lili, possesses a well-trained coloratura voice and an enchanting demeanor, her exceptionally young appearance underscores the somewhat sordid child aspect of her role.

The New York Times

But many of these girls are exceptionally young: a model who is effortlessly flat-chested and hipless at 14 will start to struggle as she hits her late teens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Instead of hitting back at the exceptionally young-looking offender, Eubank Jnr simply wrote this: "I'm used to occasionally seeing comments like this from adults but do 'kids' in this day and age really still think like this?

Independent

But to outward appearances he was an exceptionally promising young man.

The New Yorker

He's a good player, an exceptionally talented young man and he's a good option for us".

Independent

Gordon is an exceptionally talented young man who faces being imprisoned in his own body and then robbed of life.

The Guardian - Opinion

The town gravitates towards these exceptionally talented young men and their humble stadium is packed for every home game.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exceptionally young", consider the context. Ensure the exceptional youthfulness is relevant to the point you are making. For example, it can highlight precociousness, vulnerability, or potential.

Common error

Avoid using "exceptionally young" in overly casual settings where simpler terms like "very young" or "really young" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a formal tone that might feel out of place in informal conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptionally young" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize the subject's youthfulness beyond the typical range. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it describing people, populations, and even geological features.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science & Research

6%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceptionally young" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe something or someone that is notably youthful. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is used to highlight the degree to which someone or something deviates from the average or expected age range. While appropriate for various contexts, from news reports to scientific papers, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Related phrases like "remarkably young" and "unusually young" can offer nuanced alternatives. Remembering its function and purpose guarantees a clear and impactful conveyance of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkably young

Emphasizes the surprising or noteworthy aspect of being young.

extraordinarily young

Highlights the unusual or exceptional nature of youth.

unusually young

Focuses on the deviation from the typical age range.

particularly young

Highlights that youthfulness is especially noticeable or important in a given context.

noticeably young

Emphasizes the ease with which the youthfulness can be observed.

strikingly young

Highlights how impressive or remarkable youth is.

uncommonly young

Suggests that youthfulness is not often encountered.

incredibly young

Highlights the difficulty to believe how young someone is.

surprisingly young

Stresses the unexpected nature of the person's age.

unbelievably young

Highlights that youthfulness is difficult to accept or comprehend.

FAQs

How can I use "exceptionally young" in a sentence?

You can use "exceptionally young" to describe someone or something that is significantly younger than average. For example: "The "exceptionally young prodigy" impressed everyone with her talent."

What's a synonym for "exceptionally young"?

Alternatives include "remarkably young", "unusually young", or "particularly young". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "exceptionally young"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that someone or something is significantly younger than what is typical or expected for a given situation. This is especially useful to highlight potential, vulnerability, or surprise due to their age.

Is there a difference between "very young" and "exceptionally young"?

"Very young" simply indicates that someone is young, while "exceptionally young" emphasizes that they are much younger than expected or is particularly noticeable. Therefore, "exceptionally young" conveys a stronger degree of youthfulness.