older

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "older" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as an adjective to describe something or someone who has lived longer than another. For example, "My older brother has always been the more responsible sibling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Music

Sport

Politics

Books

Lifestyle

Tech

Money

Film

Arts

Social Care

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The news came as a surprise to nationalist colleagues, although Mr Mallon is a year older than Mr Hume, who is retiring on health grounds.

The Guardian

Between sips, you can place that beer on specially designed stands that reside here, next to each of the dozens of classic video arcade games of your youth (or maybe your older brother or sister's youth).

The Guardian - Travel

Now I'm a bit older, that's the only thing I take any notice of.

The Guardian - Music

The magic marker helped us learn about field placements (sort of) and the late 80s saw the introduction of stump cam ("The older viewer, for the most part," noted Richie Benaud, "was close to apoplexy").

The Guardian - Sport

The visit was ostensibly to coincide with the party's announcement that it would put £2.5bn towards a care closer to home fund, which would put money into providing care options that avoid hospital admissions for older people.

The Guardian

The Spectator Bird was written when Stegner was sixty-seven and resonates with the cranky, retrospective musings of an older writer.

The Guardian - Books

O'Connor says other issues have rankled with the voters of Indi: Mirabella's former relationship with an older man and questions about his will, and the "very hurt" Indigenous leaders upset with her for boycotting Kevin Rudd's apology to the Stolen Generations.

The Guardian

After 9/11 he sometimes wrapped up fervent support for Blair-Bush crusades in the modern parlance of liberal interventionism, and sometimes lapsed into an older discourse.

The Guardian

During her caliper readjustment Sharadamma looks at Ranoo, smiles and says 'I want to be like you when I'm older.' Ranoo smiles back faintly, knowing that despite all the work she has done, without major changes in government policy and society, Sharadamma will struggle to realise her ambitions.

The Guardian

Uganda is home to roughly half the world's 700 or so mountain gorillas, and this new group tour for older families should see you locking eyes with at least one.

The Guardian - Travel

The anti-same-sex marriage side actually had more support with those 30-plus year-olds and older in Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing ages, clearly specify the units of time (years, months, days) to avoid ambiguity. For instance, say "She is three years older than him" instead of just "She is older than him."

Common error

Avoid using "older" when the conventional expression uses "elder", such as in "elder brother" or "elder statesman". "Older brother" is acceptable, but "elder" is preferred in these set phrases.

Linguistic Context

The word "older" primarily functions as a comparative adjective. It is used to describe someone or something as having lived or existed for a longer time than another. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its use in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Lifestyle

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Tech

8%

Film

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "older" is a very common and grammatically correct term used to compare the age of two entities, whether people or objects. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this word, highlighting its frequent appearance across diverse sources such as news media, lifestyle publications, and travel guides. While alternatives like "more aged" or "elder" exist, "older" maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using "older", ensure clarity in comparisons and avoid misusing it in fixed expressions where "elder" is preferred. Always provide context such as "older than" or "older sister" for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more aged

This alternative directly replaces "older" with a synonym emphasizing the state of being aged.

senior

This term denotes a higher rank or longer tenure, often used in professional or social contexts.

elder

Similar to "older", but often carries connotations of respect or authority due to age.

advanced in years

A more formal and descriptive way of saying someone is "older".

of greater age

A literal and slightly more formal way to express "older".

along in years

Implies that someone is getting "older", often used to soften the impact.

more mature

Focuses on maturity that comes with age, rather than just the passage of time.

past one's prime

Suggests being "older" and perhaps less capable than before.

long-lived

Emphasizes longevity or a long lifespan.

venerable

Highlights the respect and honor associated with being "older".

FAQs

How do I use "older" in a sentence?

Use "older" to compare the age of two people or things, or to describe someone or something that has aged. For example, "My "older sister" is a doctor" or "This wine is much "older than" the one we had last night".

What can I say instead of "older"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "more aged", "senior", or "elder". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "elder brother" instead of "older brother"?

While "older brother" is grammatically correct, "elder brother" is often preferred in traditional usage, especially when emphasizing respect or seniority within a family.

What's the difference between "older" and "elderly"?

"Older" is a comparative term used to indicate that someone or something has lived or existed for a longer time. "Elderly" refers to people who are at an advanced stage of life. For example, "He is "older than" me," but "elderly people may require special care."