getting on in years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting on in years" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe someone who is getting older in age (usually over 60). Example sentence: My grandmother is getting on in years, but she still enjoys weekly visits to the local market.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Dear Dr Mander When one is getting on in years, one expects to become a little forgetful, perhaps momentarily confused.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm getting on in years but if there is one tournament an older guy can win, it is this one.

BBC

IF your PC is getting on in years, perhaps it's time to consider getting a new one.

The New York Times - Tech

So I'm getting on in years.

Cornell University

"They are getting on in years.

The New York Times

"When you're getting on in years it's wonderful.

The New York Times

"Rex is a players' coach; he knows how to deal with players getting on in years".

The New York Times

Most of the local black politicians are getting on in years, too.

The Economist

He is getting on in years, and London was always his calling.

The New York Times

Was I going to replace them just because they were getting on in years?

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In "If It Please You," James and Edith Packer, a getting-on-in-years couple, arrive at the local bingo hall to discover their regular places have been taken by a young hippie couple.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting on in years" to describe someone who is noticeably aging but still active and engaged in life. It's more nuanced than simply saying someone is "old".

Common error

While acceptable, "getting on in years" can sound informal. In formal documents or professional writing, consider using more direct and neutral phrases like "advancing in age" or "growing older".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting on in years" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used to qualify a noun or pronoun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the state of aging, implying a gentle or gradual progression into older age. It's a softer way to say someone is becoming old.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Reference

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting on in years" is a correct and commonly used expression to describe someone who is aging. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical acceptability. While generally neutral to informal, it’s prevalent in News & Media and academic contexts, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist frequently employing it. When writing, remember it's more appropriate for conversational tones and should be replaced with more formal alternatives like "advancing in age" in professional or academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aging

A more general term for the process of growing old, applicable to various contexts.

growing older

A more direct and simple way to express the process of becoming older.

advancing in age

Focuses on the progression of age, emphasizing the forward movement in time.

reaching old age

Highlights the attainment of old age as a destination.

becoming elderly

Specifically refers to the process of transitioning into an elderly state.

maturing

Implies a gradual development and gaining of experience with age.

senioring

A less common but valid way of describing the transition into senior years.

long in the tooth

An idiomatic expression indicating old age, often used humorously.

on the wrong side of

An idiomatic way of indicating age, specifically when referring to exceeding a certain age.

past one's prime

Suggests that someone is beyond their peak performance or most vigorous years.

FAQs

What does the phrase "getting on in years" mean?

The phrase "getting on in years" is an idiomatic expression that means becoming old or elderly. It suggests that someone is aging and experiencing the effects of old age.

Is "getting on in years" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "getting on in years" is generally considered informal. While acceptable in many contexts, it may be more appropriate to use more formal alternatives like "advancing in age" or "growing older" in professional or academic writing.

What are some alternative ways to say "getting on in years"?

Some alternative ways to say "getting on in years" include "advancing in age", "growing older", "reaching old age", or simply "aging", depending on the context.

How can I use "getting on in years" in a sentence?

You can use "getting on in years" in a sentence like this: "My grandmother is getting on in years, but she still enjoys weekly visits to the local market"."