impressionable age

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impressionable age" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a period in someone's life when they are easily influenced or molded by their surroundings and experiences. Example: Children at an impressionable age are greatly affected by what they see and hear in the media. Here, the phrase is used to describe a general age range (likely in early childhood or adolescence) when children are susceptible to being influenced by the media. It shows that this age group is particularly sensitive to the messages and images they are exposed to.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"An impressionable age, you know".

The New York Times

The exposure began at an impressionable age.

The Guardian - Books

Miley is at an impressionable age.

The Guardian - Music

Kaukenas was 13 years old then, an impressionable age.

The New York Times - Sports

In approximately Edwardian attire, five girls of an impressionable age — were they sisters?

The New York Times - Arts

"Give me a girl at an impressionable age," she boasts, "and she is mine for life".

The Guardian - Books

Dad: big ears, stocky legs and exposure to theatre at an impressionable age.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She believed that his plays were too violent for patrons of such an impressionable age.

The New York Times

Pakistan, barely 56 years old, is itself in an impressionable age as a nation".

The New York Times

I was wonderfully lucky to receive them at such a hungry, impressionable age.

The Guardian - Books

But for those of us who were inculcated at an impressionable age, its significance is far greater.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "impressionable age" with specific contexts (e.g., media exposure, educational settings) to strengthen your argument about the potential for positive or negative impact.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the vulnerability of individuals at an "impressionable age" to the point of implying they lack all agency. Acknowledge their capacity for critical thinking, even while emphasizing their susceptibility to influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impressionable age" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It highlights a specific period in life characterized by a heightened sensitivity to external influences. Ludwig shows that this is used to describe someone's development, typically childhood or adolescence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impressionable age" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that refers to a period in life when individuals are particularly susceptible to external influences. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase serves to highlight the vulnerability of children and adolescents, emphasizing the importance of responsible influence and guidance during these formative years. Alternatives like "formative years" or "vulnerable period" can be used to add nuance, but "impressionable age" remains a direct and widely understood term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formative years

Focuses on the period when character and values are being established.

vulnerable period

Highlights the susceptibility to negative influences during this time.

susceptible years

Emphasizes the openness to external influences.

developing years

Refers to the stage of growth and change where one is easily shaped.

critical developmental period

Highlights the crucial impact of this period on future development.

malleable stage of life

Uses 'malleable' to highlight the ease with which someone can be influenced.

sensitive period of development

Emphasizes the sensitivity and importance of this developmental stage.

easily influenced time

Directly states the characteristic of being easily swayed.

impressionable phase

Uses 'phase' to denote a distinct period of susceptibility.

early stages of development

Focuses on the initial phases of growth when influences are most impactful.

FAQs

How can I use "impressionable age" in a sentence?

You can use "impressionable age" to describe a period when someone is easily influenced, such as, "Children are most vulnerable to advertising's effects during their "impressionable age"".

What's a good substitute for "impressionable age"?

Alternatives include "formative years", "vulnerable period", or "susceptible years", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

At what age is someone considered to be at an "impressionable age"?

The specific age range can vary depending on the context, but it typically refers to childhood and adolescence, when cognitive and emotional development is most rapid and individuals are more susceptible to external influences.

Why is it important to consider the "impressionable age" of children in media?

Because children at an "impressionable age" are more likely to internalize and be influenced by the messages and images they encounter in media, potentially shaping their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.