full of years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of years" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has lived a long life, often in a respectful or reverent context. Example: "The elder was honored at the ceremony, celebrated for being full of years and wisdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I deal generally with natural mortality in lives full of years and doings.

The Economist

Nielsen died in 2010, full of years and loved by all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In Winston Churchill has died the greatest Englishman of his time, full of years and honour.

The Guardian

WHEN the curtain opens, Neil Young is standing onstage, his face full of years.

The New York Times

#TrumpBible And afterward Joshua, son of Nun, died at the age of 110, full of years & with a prostate the size of Shechem & Gilgal combined.

The New Yorker

Many retiring senators' offices looked empty and gloomy, and boxes full of years of archives piled up around the Hart Senate Office Building.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Each pair of volunteers is about to introduce themselves to a class full of Year 9 boys.

Vice

Each pair of volunteers is about to introduce themselves to a class full of Year 9 [8th grade] boys.

Vice

While Britain had cowered at his wrath, the US rose up to meet him, bringing its walk-in freezers full of year-old tacos with it.

Vice

The team found nicotine in the hair of 35 mummies, spanning the full range of years.

Huffington Post

When present, however, the full spectrum of years was assessed.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of years" to respectfully describe someone who has lived a long and likely fulfilling life, especially when highlighting their wisdom or achievements.

Common error

Avoid using "full of years" sarcastically or in contexts where respect is not intended. The phrase carries a connotation of honor and should be used accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of years" functions as an adjective phrase used to describe a noun, typically a person. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is commonly used in a respectful or reverent way. For example, it can be used to describe someone who has lived a long life.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "full of years" is a grammatically correct and usable expression used to respectfully describe someone who has lived a long life. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is typically used in contexts where reverence or honor is intended. While not extremely common, it is found across various authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, lending it a neutral register suitable for formal writing and speech. Alternative phrases include "advanced in years" and "venerable". When employing this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its respectful connotation to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advanced in years

Emphasizes the progression of age, focusing on the latter stages of life.

venerable

Highlights respect and honor earned through age and experience.

long-lived

Focuses directly on the length of someone's life.

aged

A simple and direct way to describe someone old.

ripe in years

Suggests maturity and completeness achieved through a long life, like a fruit at its peak.

along in years

Similar to advanced in years, but with a slightly softer tone.

of advanced age

A more formal way to describe someone who is old.

old

The most basic and straightforward term for not young.

having seen many years

Poetically emphasizes the experiences and wisdom gained over a long life.

in their twilight years

Emphasizes the final stage of life, often associated with reflection and rest.

FAQs

What does "full of years" mean?

The phrase "full of years" is an idiom that describes someone who has lived a long life. It often implies that the person has also accumulated wisdom and experience over those years.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "full of years"?

It is appropriate to use "full of years" when you want to respectfully and honorably describe someone who is elderly or has lived a long life. It is often used in obituaries or when paying tribute to someone.

Are there alternative ways to say "full of years"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "advanced in years", "venerable", or "long-lived" depending on the context.

Is "full of years" formal or informal?

The phrase "full of years" has a slightly formal and respectful tone. While it can be used in various contexts, it's more common in writing or speeches where a degree of reverence is appropriate.