not of age

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not of age" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone who is not yet legally considered an adult or is under the age of majority. Example: "Since she is not of age, she cannot legally sign the contract without parental consent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

His two daughters with his third wife are still not of age.

The Washington Post

Don't drink too much alcohol (and don't drink any if you're not of age!), as you may let down your guard inappropriately or demonstrate that you don't take work seriously.

Cornell University

Ms. Ansty said that she was considering applying to parochial schools for her two daughters, who are not of age to attend school yet, and taking her son out of P.S. 9.

The New York Times

"It's nonsense to suggest it has terrible impact on public services – most of the people coming here were working, didn't have children, and were not of age to be a big burden on NHS".

The Guardian

The drawing-room looks like a very handsome modern room, being beautifully painted, gilded, and paper-hung, with a white-marble fire-place, and rich furniture; so that the impression is that of newness, not of age.

The New Yorker

The introduction or not of age would just affect the size of the bias.

SERIEs

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It is a manifestation of modern politics and power, not of age-old religious hatreds.

The New York Times

She is Linda Black, not Blake, of the New York City Department for the Aging, not "of Aging".

The New York Times - Health

"Probably many of these people weren't of age in the 1970s to be able to remember what it was like and compare it to today," he said.

The New York Times

I went back and looked at the pictures of myself throughout the marriage and saw a slow decline--not of age, although I saw that too, but a seeping out of my vital life force.

Huffington Post

More than 1,000 children every year are arrested for prostitution, even though most of them aren't of age to consent to sex at all.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "not of age". In less formal settings, it is perfectly acceptable, but for legal or official purposes, more precise language may be required.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "not of age" is universally defined. The specific age of majority varies by jurisdiction, so ensure you are using the term in a context where the relevant legal age is understood or explicitly stated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not of age" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that someone is below the legally specified age for certain activities or responsibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not of age" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that someone has not reached the legally defined age for specific rights or responsibilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly news, science, and general information, but it's crucial to be aware of its implications and potential for ambiguity. When greater precision is needed, especially in legal contexts, alternatives like "under the age of majority" are recommended. Understanding its function, communicative purpose, and appropriate register will ensure its effective use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the age of majority

More formal and legalistic, emphasizing the legal threshold.

below the legal age

Directly indicates not meeting the required age for legal activities.

underage

A common and concise term for being below the required age.

a minor

Legally defined term indicating someone under the age of majority.

too young

Simple and informal, focusing on youthfulness.

not old enough

Emphasizes the lack of sufficient age.

juvenile

Often used in legal contexts referring to young offenders, but can also refer to a young person.

immature

Focuses on a lack of development, both physically and emotionally.

still a child

Highlights innocence and lack of adult responsibilities.

of tender years

Archaic and formal, emphasizes vulnerability and youth.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not of age" in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, you can replace "not of age" with more precise terms such as "under the age of majority" or "below the legal age" to avoid ambiguity.

What are some common synonyms for "not of age" in informal writing?

In informal writing, you can use synonyms like "underage", "too young", or "not old enough" as alternatives for "not of age".

Is there a difference between using "not of age" and "a minor"?

While both phrases refer to someone who is not yet an adult, "a minor" is a more formal, legally recognized term. "Not of age" is generally acceptable but less precise in legal or official contexts.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "not of age"?

It's generally inappropriate to use "not of age" when discussing medical consent, as it simplifies a complex issue. Instead, use more precise language about "capacity to consent".