formative years

USAGE SUMMARY

"formative years" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the years in someone's life that are important for their development and are formative in helping to shape who they will become in later life. For example: "My formative years were spent in the countryside, and I believe this shaped me into the person I am today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"My formative years," he said.

The New York Times

"Those were my formative years," he said.

The New York Times

"Those were really formative years," she said.

The New Yorker

Tells about his formative years under Stalin.

The New Yorker

Many spent formative years abroad.

The New York Times

"Those were my formative years".

The Guardian - Books

They spent their formative years roughhousing.

The New York Times - Sports

These were truly my formative years.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Our formative years set patterns for life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Our formative years were in the Bush Administrations," Bakkila said.

The New Yorker

If trends continue, pitchers may rule McCabe Moyer's formative years.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal development or the influences that shaped someone, use "formative years" to highlight the significance of that period. For example, "Her formative years in Paris exposed her to diverse cultures and artistic influences."

Common error

Avoid limiting "formative years" to a precise age range. While childhood is often considered formative, these years can extend into adolescence and early adulthood, depending on the individual's experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formative years" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it describes a significant period of development and influence in a person's life. The examples show its role in describing influential periods and experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formative years" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a period of significant development in a person's life. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media. While alternative phrases like "shaping years" or "impressionable age" exist, "formative years" remains a widely recognized and effective way to highlight the impact of a specific period on an individual's growth and character. Remember to use this phrase when discussing the pivotal moments and influences that have shaped someone's life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shaping years

Emphasizes the influential nature of this period in determining future character and direction.

growing years

This emphasizes the process of maturation and development during the period.

influential times

This alternative highlights the impact and significance of the period on future development.

developmental stage

This term focuses on the psychological and physical changes occurring during this period.

childhood years

This refers specifically to the period of being a child, often considered highly formative.

early development

A more clinical term referencing the initial stages of growth and maturation.

impressionable age

This alternative emphasizes the vulnerability and receptiveness to influence during the period.

youthful age

Focuses on the period of being young, highlighting energy and potential for growth.

early life

A broader term referring to the initial phase of existence, often encompassing formative experiences.

learning period

Highlights the acquisition of knowledge and skills during this phase.

FAQs

What does the phrase "formative years" mean?

The phrase "formative years" refers to a period in someone's life during which significant development occurs, shaping their character, beliefs, and future direction. It's a time of considerable influence and growth.

How can I use "formative years" in a sentence?

You can use "formative years" to describe influential periods. For example: "His "formative years" were spent traveling, exposing him to different cultures", or "The challenges she faced during her "formative years" made her resilient".

What are some alternative phrases to "formative years"?

Alternatives include "impressionable age", "developmental stage", or "shaping years" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it always accurate to equate "formative years" with childhood?

While childhood is frequently a formative period, the "formative years" can extend beyond childhood into adolescence and early adulthood. Critical experiences during these later stages can also significantly shape an individual's development.