since young

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'since young' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has been the case for a long time, typically since the subject's childhood. For example: "John has been a passionate runner since young."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since young people live in a life phase of experimentation and discovery, they are exposed to health-related risks such as unwanted pregnancies [ 5].

BMC Public Health

Since young people drive technology trends, these are disturbing figures.

The New Yorker

He was a good aimer even since young … he sprayed a whole magazine.

The Guardian

RICHARD HINDS: McIlroy might be the best non-Tiger teenager since young Tom Morris.

The New York Times - Sports

NEARLY eight years have passed since young lawyers at large American firms last got significant pay rises.

The Economist

Since young people are typically healthier, getting them in the risk pool will help hold over-all costs down.

The New Yorker

The effect of this, ever since "Young and Beautiful" screened at Cannes, last year, has been to drive viewers nuts.

The New Yorker

Since young people are, on average, much less wealthy than the old, this strikes many of them as unfair.

The Economist

Just three years have passed since young Jake Brigance crusaded his way through Clanton's most racially inflammatory murder trial.

The New York Times - Books

Yes, that's right: young people will, most likely, pay disproportionately for Obamacare, since young people tend to be healthier.

The Economist

It had been less than two months since Young Women for Change had held its first meeting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "since young" to describe habits, skills, or characteristics that have been present from an early age. For example: "She has been playing piano "since young".

Common error

Ensure clarity by providing specific context when using "since young". Avoid vagueness by specifying what the subject has been doing or experiencing since their youth. Example: Instead of: "He was good aimer since young." Use: "He was a good aimer "since young", he sprayed a whole magazine."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since young" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a time frame that extends from youth to the present. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, particularly in describing long-held characteristics or habits.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "since young" is used to denote a period stretching from one's youth to the present. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While acceptable, "since young" tends to be more informal. More formal alternatives such as "from an early age" or "since childhood" may be preferred in academic or professional contexts. Usage patterns indicate that "since young" appears more frequently in news and media sources, and scientific sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from a young age

This alternative emphasizes the age when something started.

since childhood

Focuses specifically on the period of childhood.

from an early age

Similar to "from a young age", but slightly more formal.

since youth

Uses the term "youth" to indicate the early period of life.

from infancy

Specifies the earliest stage of life.

since being a child

More descriptive, clarifying the period in question.

since one's early years

A more formal way to express the same idea.

from the time one was young

A more verbose alternative.

in one's youth

Focuses on the period of youth as the defining time.

from a tender age

Emphasizes the vulnerability of youth.

FAQs

How can I use "since young" in a sentence?

You can use "since young" to describe something that has been true or a characteristic that has been present from an early age. For example: "She has loved reading "since young".

What phrases are similar to "since young"?

Similar phrases include "from a young age", "since childhood", or "from an early age".

Is it more appropriate to say "since young" or "since I was young"?

While "since young" is acceptable, "since I was young" provides greater clarity and is often preferred in formal writing. For example, you can say “I have been playing the piano "since I was young"”.

Can "since young" be used in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "since young" is generally more informal. In academic writing, consider using more formal alternatives like "from an early age" or "since childhood" for a more polished tone.