reaching adulthood

USAGE SUMMARY

"reaching adulthood" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the age in which someone has reached or is approaching the age of an adult. For example: "The young man is reaching adulthood and is eager to take on more responsibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since reaching adulthood, however, I have largely stayed on shore.

The Guardian - Travel

Before 1991 researchers recorded the birth of but one animal, and it died before reaching adulthood.

The New York Times - Travel

Upon reaching adulthood, Sam was told he had to pay the full tax.

The Guardian

Henry Fielding's Tom Jones begins with the hero reaching adulthood and heading out into the world.

The Guardian

Besides, there ought to be a few rewards for reaching adulthood.

The New York Times

Where did we get the idea that reaching adulthood means your eligibility for safety expires?

Independent

By the time they were reaching adulthood, their walls were covered.

The New York Times

Does she have a right to know her true parentage upon reaching adulthood?

The New York Times - Magazine

She's cute, but all she has going for her might be extinguished before reaching adulthood.

The New York Times - Magazine

The transgenic mosquitoes produced fewer eggs, had higher rates of infertility and had a lower percentage of eggs reaching adulthood.

The New York Times - Science

The biotech company has genetically modified male mosquitoes to make them "self-limiting", so any offspring die before reaching adulthood.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reaching adulthood" to discuss developmental milestones, legal transitions, or social expectations associated with becoming an adult. This phrase is especially useful when discussing the process and not just the state of being an adult.

Common error

Avoid using "reaching adulthood" when simply describing someone who is already an adult. The phrase emphasizes the process of becoming an adult, not the state of being one. For the latter, use 'adult' or 'in adulthood'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reaching adulthood" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun. It describes the process or period of transitioning into adulthood. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reaching adulthood" is a grammatically correct and very common gerund phrase used to describe the process of transitioning from adolescence into adulthood. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage across numerous contexts. It's suitable for neutral registers and commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, remember that it emphasizes the process of becoming an adult rather than the state of being one. Alternatives like "coming of age" or "attaining maturity" offer similar meanings with slight nuances. Ludwig's analysis indicates a broad applicability, making it a reliable choice for discussing developmental stages.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming an adult

A more direct and simple way of expressing the same concept.

attaining adulthood

Similar to 'reaching adulthood' but places slightly more emphasis on accomplishment.

transitioning to adulthood

Emphasizes the shift from one stage of life to another.

growing into adulthood

Stresses the gradual process of development.

entering adulthood

Emphasizes the act of beginning the adult phase of life.

coming of age

Focuses more on the cultural and social aspects of transitioning to adulthood.

adulthood onset

More formal and technical, focusing on the beginning of adulthood as a distinct period.

achieving maturity

Highlights the attainment of full development and capability.

the age of majority

Refers to the specific legal age when one is recognized as an adult.

adolescent maturation

Focuses specifically on the biological and physiological changes during adolescence.

FAQs

How can I use "reaching adulthood" in a sentence?

You can use "reaching adulthood" to describe the period when a person is transitioning from adolescence to being an adult. For example, "Many challenges arise when "reaching adulthood"."

What's a more formal alternative to "reaching adulthood"?

A more formal alternative to "reaching adulthood" could be "attaining maturity" or "achieving maturity", particularly in academic or professional contexts.

Is it correct to say "reached adulthood" instead of "reaching adulthood"?

Yes, "reached adulthood" is correct, but it describes the completion of the process, whereas ""reaching adulthood"" describes the process itself. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the final state or the journey.

What are some of the challenges that young adults face when "reaching adulthood"?

Some challenges include finding stable employment, managing finances, establishing independence, and navigating social relationships. These challenges are often discussed in the context of "coming of age".