extreme age

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extreme age" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very advanced or unusual age, often in contexts discussing longevity or age-related topics. Example: "The study focused on individuals who reached extreme age, examining their health and lifestyle choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm at an extreme age in an extreme sport".

The New York Times

In an extreme age perhaps only extreme loss will do.

The New York Times

"They've just been very cautious with him because of his extreme age," Parker said, smiling.

The New York Times - Sports

Isotope dating of these zircons had previously established their extreme age, with some being as old as 4.25 billion years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this case, it is the Year Zero of a belief system that does not yet have extreme age to put its irrationality above reproach.

The Guardian - Film

He is driving me home to Modena, in Emilia-Romagna, famous for the extreme age of its balsamic vinegar, its prosciutto and parmesan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In Jane Gardam's superb new novel, Sir Edward Feathers, an antediluvian retired judge, enters extreme age carrying his secret wound coiled inside him like a baby.

The Guardian - Books

It's believed that the very poor quality of the soil, due to extreme age and lack of nutrients, makes pygmies out of trees that would grow tall elsewhere.

The New York Times

And how much better than the usually quoted epigraph/epitaph for extreme age - Shakespeare's "second childishness and mere oblivion, sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything".

The Guardian

"But mainly," he said, "there's got to be some sense of the beauty and integrity and the extreme age of these areas".

The New York Times - Science

Animals in captivity, which provide most of the records of extreme age, are exposed to far fewer hazards than those in the wild.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing aging in scientific or medical contexts, use "extreme age" to specifically denote individuals or subjects at the upper end of the age spectrum to distinguish them from more general age categories.

Common error

Avoid using "extreme age" when referring to average elderly individuals. Reserve this term for situations where the age is significantly beyond the typical lifespan or when comparing distinct age groups in research.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extreme age" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "extreme" modifies the noun "age". It indicates a state of being at a very advanced stage of life or existence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extreme age" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. Ludwig confirms its accurate and versatile usage. While it denotes a very advanced stage of life, it's important to use it accurately, reserving it for truly exceptional ages rather than general old age. Alternatives like "advanced age" or "old age" may be more suitable for less formal contexts. When used correctly, "extreme age" effectively emphasizes the significance of advanced longevity in various discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advanced years

Emphasizes the progression of time and being in the later stages of life.

advanced age

Similar to "old age" but can imply a more significant degree of aging.

old age

A general term for the later part of the lifespan.

late life

Focuses on the final phase of existence.

elderly stage

Highlights the period of being an elder or in the later part of life.

great age

Simply emphasizes the length of time someone or something has existed.

senescence

A more scientific term referring to the process of aging.

advanced maturity

Highlights the mature stage of life.

ripe old age

Suggests a long and full life.

declining years

Focuses on the period of physical or mental decline often associated with aging.

FAQs

How is "extreme age" typically defined in scientific studies?

In scientific studies, "extreme age" is often defined as the upper percentile of a population's lifespan, such as individuals over 85 or 90 years old. This definition can vary depending on the specific research context and the population being studied.

What are some alternatives to using "extreme age" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "advanced age", "old age", or "advanced years". Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and specificity of your writing.

Is it appropriate to use "extreme age" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "extreme age" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler terms like "very old" or "elderly" for a more natural tone.

What factors contribute to reaching "extreme age"?

Reaching "extreme age" is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Research suggests that centenarians often have protective gene variants and maintain healthy habits, which contribute to their longevity.