it ages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it ages" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of something becoming older or more mature over time. Example: "As the wine ferments, it ages and develops a richer flavor profile."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Truss your meat to help it keep its shape while it ages (optional).

WikiHow

These experiments revealed that this yeast's proteome reflects its transcriptome less and less as it ages.

eLife

One of its biggest challenges will be maintaining a healthy balance sheet as it ages.

The New York Times

"It ages you psychologically," he observes.

The New York Times

Old paint on canvas, as it ages, sometimes becomes.

The New Yorker

"I don't care if it ages me 20 years.

The New York Times - Food

I don't know if it ages so well".

The New York Times

She had become used to it ages ago.

The New Yorker

What happens to the skin as it ages?

The New York Times

(It will be constantly replaced as it ages).

The New York Times

But we still don't understand how it ages in reverse.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it ages", consider the specific context to ensure the verb accurately reflects the type of aging being described. For example, "it matures" might be more appropriate for wine, while "it deteriorates" might better describe certain materials.

Common error

Avoid using "it ages" when a more specific term would provide clarity. For instance, instead of saying "the technology ages", specify whether it becomes "obsolete", "outdated", or "unsupported".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it ages" functions as a verb phrase where "it" serves as a pronoun subject, and "ages" is the intransitive verb indicating the process of growing older or maturing. Ludwig examples show it used across a variety of subjects, indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it ages" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression describing the process of something growing older or maturing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral in register, its specific connotation can vary depending on the subject. When using this phrase, consider the context and potential for more specific alternatives to enhance clarity. Remember that while "it ages" is generally acceptable across contexts, tailoring your language with alternatives like "it matures" or "it deteriorates" can greatly improve precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it matures

Replaces "ages" with a synonym emphasizing development and completeness.

it gets older

A simpler, more direct way to express the idea of aging.

it changes over time

A more general phrase indicating transformation with the progression of time.

it deteriorates

Focuses on the negative aspects of aging, such as decline or decay.

it develops with time

Highlights gradual progress and formation over the course of time.

it ripens

Applies specifically to fruits and other organic matter reaching full maturity.

it evolves

Highlights the developmental changes that occur over time.

it becomes seasoned

Indicates enrichment and improvement over time, particularly in food or character.

it declines

Emphasizes a decrease in quality or function as time passes.

it undergoes senescence

A scientific term indicating the process of growing old, particularly in biological contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "it ages" in a sentence?

You can use "it ages" to describe the process of something becoming older or more mature over time. For example: "The cheese becomes sharper as "it ages"".

What can I say instead of "it ages"?

You can use alternatives like "it matures", "it gets older", or "it develops over time" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it ages" or "it is aging"?

"It ages" describes a general process, while "it is aging" describes a process happening at the moment. For instance, "Wine improves as "it ages"" (general) versus "The photograph is aging poorly" (current state).

How does the meaning of "it ages" change depending on the subject?

The specific nuance of "it ages" varies with the subject. For wine, it implies improvement; for skin, it often suggests decline; for wood, it may suggest gaining character. Consider the specific implications in each context.