reach a certain age

USAGE SUMMARY

"reach a certain age" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a point in someone's life when they come to a particular milestone age, such as 18 for adulthood, 21 for legal drinking age, or 65 for retirement. For example, "When you reach a certain age, you will get more freedom and responsibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Seems when you reach a certain age, you acknowledge the sadness.

The Guardian - Sport

In families, we do not cut off children just because they reach a certain age.

The Guardian

Once you reach a certain age, you no longer have to prove yourself".

The New York Times - Food

"The general attitude is that when you reach a certain age, you're over the hill.

The New York Times

You do reach a certain age where people assume you to be either dead or senile.

The Guardian

"There's something that happens in the woman when they reach a certain age," she insists.

The Guardian - Film

When you reach a certain age, it emphasizes, money becomes paramount.

The New York Times

And when they reach a certain age, it is time for them to go.

Harvard Business Review

You reach a certain age and get cast as a mother.

The Guardian - Film

I don't think you reach a certain age and your ankles start breaking.

The New York Times - Sports

"When you reach a certain age, I don't think anybody escapes unscathed," Kim Taylor said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reach a certain age" to discuss expectations, changes, or societal norms associated with particular life stages. It's useful for discussing milestones, responsibilities, or shifts in perspective.

Common error

Don't use "reach a certain age" as a placeholder for specific ages when detail is needed. If the context requires precision, specify the age instead of relying on the general phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reach a certain age" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a time or condition. It modifies verbs or clauses by specifying when something occurs or becomes relevant. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples of its use in describing life stages and associated changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reach a certain age" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to specific stages of life. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's important to use it with precision and avoid vague generalizations. Alternatives like "get to a specific age" or "grow to a certain age" can provide more specific meaning depending on the desired nuance. Remember to tailor your language to the specific context for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get to a specific age

Emphasizes the attainment of a particular age milestone.

arrive at a particular age

Highlights the reaching of a notable age.

become a certain age

Focuses on the state of being a specific age.

advance to a certain age

Emphasizes progression towards a specified age.

grow to a certain age

Highlights the process of aging until a specific age is reached.

attain a specific age

Indicates the accomplishment of reaching a particular age.

age to a certain point

Focuses on the progression of aging until a notable phase is reached.

when one gets older

General way of expressing aging, without a specific age mentioned.

as one matures

Focuses on the process of becoming more mature with time.

with increasing years

Emphasizes the accumulation of years and the passage of time.

FAQs

What does it mean to "reach a certain age"?

To "reach a certain age" means to arrive at a particular stage in life, often associated with specific expectations or changes in responsibilities.

How can I use "reach a certain age" in a sentence?

You can use "reach a certain age" to describe changes or expectations related to aging. For example, "When you "reach a certain age", you might start thinking about retirement."

What are some alternatives to saying "reach a certain age"?

Alternatives include phrases like "get to a specific age", "grow to a certain age", or "attain a specific age", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "reached a certain age" or "reach a certain age"?

The correct tense depends on the context. "Reached a certain age" refers to a past event, while "reach a certain age" refers to a future or general event. For instance, "He reached a certain age and decided to retire" (past) versus "People often change their priorities when they "reach a certain age"" (general).