onset of adulthood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "onset of adulthood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the beginning or commencement of the stage in life when a person is considered an adult, typically associated with reaching a certain age or maturity level. Example: "The onset of adulthood often brings new responsibilities and challenges that shape an individual's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

For most freshmen, college represents the onset of adulthood, burgeoning independence, the first tentative steps in pursuit of one's dreams.

The New Yorker

Olivier Assayas's semi-autobiographical drama spotlights the brick-throwing exploits of the VLR (Vive le Revolution) activists, before the onset of adulthood takes its members in different directions.

The Guardian - Film

He is suddenly incapable of throwing accurately, undermined by paralytic self-consciousness, or, Harbach seems to be arguing, by the onset of adulthood itself.

The New Yorker

But I have always regarded the characters on the "Up" series as a monitory advance team, like older siblings, forever one step ahead of me on the path through adolescence, the onset of adulthood, and, now, the long, narrowing years of middle age.

The New Yorker

At six weeks of age, the onset of adulthood, the average meal size of a male mouse whose insulin-reception system had been damaged was 3.2 grams of rodent chow.

The Economist

Set in what the program identifies as "a medium-size town in the Midwest," this production brings to mind both William Inge's 1950s dramas of lonely American misfits and movies like "American Graffiti" and "Diner," portraits of friendships under siege with the onset of adulthood.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The age of onset of biological adulthood continues to plunge.

The Guardian

Robert Softley is telling the true story of a girl whose parents put her through surgery rather than let her face the onset of an adulthood which, they felt, would only make her profound disabilities worse.

The Guardian

Until recently, that hasn't been the case for foster children, for whom the onset of legal adulthood has meant the cutting off of council funding for their placements.

Vice

Thus, the timing of onset to adulthood is not fixed, but rather is affected by growth rate, suggesting that the hormones that trigger growth interact with the hormones that trigger developmental transitions.

Plosone

Retrospective radiographic study of 6 patients with L5 spondylolysis observed prospectively before the onset of lysis through adulthood.

Spine Deformity

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "onset of adulthood" when referring to the initial stages or the beginning of adult life, especially when discussing developmental milestones, legal transitions, or the emergence of new responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "onset of adulthood" when referring to mid-life or later stages of adult development. The phrase specifically denotes the beginning or initial phase of being an adult; phrases like "challenges of adulthood" are more apt for broader discussions about adult life.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "onset of adulthood" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig shows its use in various sentences as a subject or part of a prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "onset of adulthood" effectively describes the commencement or initial stage of adult life. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used. The examples highlight its prevalence in scientific, news, and formal contexts, indicating a relatively formal tone. When writing, it's important to use this phrase when specifically referring to the start of adulthood and not confuse it with later stages. Alternatives like "beginning of adulthood" or "start of adulthood" may be suitable in more informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning of adulthood

Replaces "onset" with "beginning", emphasizing the start of adulthood.

start of adulthood

Uses "start" instead of "onset", providing a more direct synonym.

advent of adulthood

Substitutes "onset" with "advent", implying a more formal or significant arrival.

commencement of adulthood

Employs "commencement", which is a more formal synonym for "onset" or "beginning".

dawn of adulthood

Replaces "onset" with "dawn", suggesting a new beginning or era.

emergence into adulthood

Focuses on the process of emerging or transitioning into adulthood.

transition to adulthood

Highlights the transitional phase and the process of becoming an adult.

coming of age

A more idiomatic expression referring to the transition from childhood to adulthood, often with a focus on maturity and self-discovery.

the age of majority

Refers to the specific age when a person legally becomes an adult.

reaching adulthood

Focuses on the act of arriving at the state of being an adult.

FAQs

How can I use "onset of adulthood" in a sentence?

You can use "onset of adulthood" to describe the beginning of adult life, often associated with new responsibilities or changes. For example: "For many, the "onset of adulthood" brings increased financial responsibilities."

What are some alternatives to "onset of adulthood"?

Alternatives include "beginning of adulthood", "start of adulthood", or "coming of age", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the onset to adulthood" instead of "the onset of adulthood"?

No, the correct phrasing is ""onset of adulthood"". The preposition "of" is necessary to correctly link "onset" with "adulthood".

What's the difference between "onset of adulthood" and "adulthood"?

"Onset of adulthood" refers specifically to the initial phase or beginning of adulthood, while "adulthood" encompasses the entire period of being an adult. One describes a transition, and the other a state of being.