of his age

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of his age" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is typical for someone based on their age. For example, "The boy shows remarkable maturity for his age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is a man of his age.

The New York Times

Lightly raced for one of his age.

Independent

He's a man of his age.

Cornell University

Seldon was a man of his age.

The Guardian - Business

Craig escaped hanging because of his age.

The Guardian

Because of his age he cannot be named.

The Guardian

He became one of the greatest painters of his age.

The Times

Regardless of his age, he is a special player".

The New York Times - Sports

I realize it was probably because of his age".

The New York Times

The boy is not being charged because of his age.

The New York Times

(No man doubted him the first character of his age).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's accomplishments, consider if "of his age" adds relevant information about the historical or developmental context of those achievements.

Common error

Avoid using "of his age" to make broad generalizations about an entire generation. Focus on individual characteristics within the context of their time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of his age" functions as a post-modifier, typically following a noun or pronoun, and serving to qualify or provide context related to someone's age or the era they lived in. It often indicates what is typical, expected, or noteworthy for individuals in that age group or time period, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of his age" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to provide context based on a person's age or the era in which they live. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase serves to qualify characteristics, actions, or achievements within a specific temporal or developmental framework. It's essential to use this phrase judiciously, avoiding overgeneralizations and ensuring age is a relevant factor. While versatile, with usage spanning News & Media, Academia, and Science sources, understanding the subtle differences between "of his age" and similar phrases such as "for his age" or "typical for his generation" enhances precision in writing. Remember to focus on individual characteristics rather than stereotyping entire age groups.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical for his generation

Focuses on the generational aspect rather than a specific age.

a sign of his times

Highlights the influence of the era on the person.

a product of his era

Suggests the person was shaped by the cultural and historical context of their time.

common among his contemporaries

Emphasizes the shared experiences of people in the same age group.

representative of his time

Implies that the person embodies the characteristics of their age.

in line with his generation

Indicates conformity to the norms and values of their generation.

a reflection of his period

Conveys that the person mirrors the trends and attitudes of their period.

belonging to his time

Simply states that the person is a part of a specific era.

of the same vintage

Uses a metaphor to relate the person to a particular era.

from his epoch

Uses a more formal word to designate a period in history.

FAQs

How can I use "of his age" in a sentence?

You can use "of his age" to provide context about someone's actions or abilities, such as "He is remarkably fit for a man "of his age"" or "She displayed wisdom beyond that "of his age"".

What are some alternatives to "of his age"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "typical for his generation", "a product of his era", or "common among his contemporaries" as alternatives.

Is it always necessary to specify someone's age when describing them?

No, specifying someone's age or using "of his age" is only necessary when age is a relevant factor in understanding their behavior, achievements, or limitations. Otherwise, it can be unnecessary or even ageist.

How does the phrase "of his age" differ from "for his age"?

"Of his age" generally refers to something being typical or characteristic, while "for his age" usually implies a comparison or evaluation. For example, "He is a man "of his age"" suggests he embodies traits common at that stage of life, whereas "He's advanced for his age" indicates he's ahead developmentally.