is under age

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is under age" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is below the legal age of adulthood, often in contexts related to legal rights or restrictions. Example: "Since she is under age, she cannot legally purchase alcohol."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Over half the population is under age 30, while nearly one-third is under age 15.

Britannica

Half of the Algerian population is under age 28.

The Washington Post

Almost half of the population is under age 15.

Britannica

About one-fourth of the population is under age 15.

Britannica

Because she is under age, she can't consent.

The Guardian

About one-fifth of the population is under age 15, and more than two-fifths is under age 30.

Britannica

More than one-fourth of the population is under age 15.

Britannica

In Uganda, where nearly 80percentt of the population is under age 30, that is no small thing.

The New York Times

About one-fourth of the population is under age 15, with more than one-half under age 30.

Britannica

Some 70percentt of Saudi Arabia is under age 30, and roughly 25percentt of them are unemployed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

PLUSES: Alec Baldwin as a spoiled, blase star whose "hobby" is under-age girls and David Paymer as the gimlet-eyed producer with the morals of an ambulance-chasing lawyer are perfect, as is Julia Stiles as the attractive jailbait who single-mindedly throws herself at Mr. Baldwin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, ensure you specify the exact age that defines "under age" in that context. For example, "is under age 18" is clearer than just "is under age".

Common error

Avoid using "underage" as a verb. The correct phrasing is to say someone "is under age" or "is underage", not to say they "underage" something. For example, say "He is underage" or "He is under age 21", not "He underages alcohol."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is under age" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (usually a person) to indicate that they have not yet reached a specific age threshold. This is evident in examples from Ludwig, such as "she is under age, she can't consent."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

23%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is under age" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who has not reached a specified age, usually the legal age of adulthood. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread usage across various domains, including news, encyclopedias, and academic texts. While alternatives like "is underage" or "is a minor" exist, "is under age" is a reliable choice, especially when specifying the age. Be mindful of the context to ensure clarity and avoid misusing "underage" as a verb. Its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Britannica underscores its established place in English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a minor

Replaces the phrase with a more direct term often used in legal contexts.

is underage

A more concise, single-word alternative carrying the same meaning.

is not of legal age

Highlights the legal implications of being below the required age.

has not reached adulthood

Emphasizes the lack of legal maturity associated with being under a certain age.

is below the age of majority

A formal, legalistic way of expressing the same concept.

is a juvenile

Often used in the context of legal proceedings involving young people.

is not old enough

A simple, straightforward alternative applicable in various contexts.

is still a child

A more general term, suitable when the specific legal age isn't relevant.

is too young

An even more basic way to express the idea, focusing on youthfulness.

is of tender age

An older, somewhat formal term for being young and inexperienced.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "is under age"?

It means that a person has not yet reached the legally defined age of adulthood, or a specific age required for certain activities like driving, voting, or consuming alcohol. The specific age varies by jurisdiction and context.

Which is more appropriate, "is underage" or "is under age"?

Both phrases are generally acceptable, but "is underage" is more concise. "Is under age" might be preferred in contexts where you want to explicitly state the qualifying age, such as "is under age 18".

What are some situations where it matters if someone "is under age"?

Many legal and social contexts are affected by age, including the ability to vote, purchase alcohol or tobacco, enter into contracts, drive a car, and consent to medical treatment or sexual activity. Different laws and regulations apply depending on whether someone "is a minor" or an adult.

Are there any specific legal protections for individuals who "is under age"?

Yes, minors typically have special legal protections, including restrictions on working hours, mandatory schooling requirements, and laws against child abuse and neglect. These protections are designed to safeguard their well-being and ensure they receive adequate care and education.