substantially older

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially older" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is significantly older in comparison to another object or person. Example: "The ancient tree in the park is substantially older than the newly planted saplings around it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Gene coalescent times can be substantially older than species divergence times", explained Dr dos Reis.

The Guardian

Both were substantially older than the Fitzwilliam foetus, at 25 and 37 weeks into gestation.

The Guardian

However, radiometric dates obtained for volcanic minerals at Sangiran indicate that some Javan fossils may be substantially older, perhaps approaching 1,500,000 years in age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Few would mistake press association members for Jessica Simpson, largely because a fair number of the corps are, to say the least, substantially older than the stars they cover.

The New York Times - Style

EH Shepard's illustrations, as much a part of Pooh as the text, have been lovingly animated and are a delight to look at, even for those substantially older than the target age group.

The Guardian - Books

Because the first is substantially older than the second and also under substantially more pressure - the first group is made up of the teachers responsible for the results of the second: the C/D borderlines.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The gene, known as TREM2, is only the second found to increase Alzheimer's risk substantially in older people.

The New York Times - Health

Here's how.

Huffington Post

A recent study by Panda et al. showed that circulating pDC decline substantially in older compared to younger individuals [51].

Plosone

We focused this report on children aged under 10 years because their major causes of admission differ substantially from older children.

Plosone

The proportion of women receiving surgery decreased substantially with older age (Table 2).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing ages, ensure the context clearly defines what is being compared to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The archaeological find was "substantially older" than previously estimated."

Common error

Avoid using "substantially older" when the age difference is minimal or insignificant. Reserve it for situations where the age gap is truly considerable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially older" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a significant difference in age or time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, reflecting its role in comparisons involving age.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantially older" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase to describe something significantly more aged compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English. It appears commonly in scientific, news and media contexts, and encyclopedia, indicating a considerable age difference. When using this phrase, ensure that the context makes the age difference clear and significant. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, avoid overstating the age gap to maintain accuracy and credibility in your writing. Alternatives like "significantly aged" or "considerably senior" can be used to diversify your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantially more mature

Focuses on the level of maturity with a substantial difference.

significantly aged

Emphasizes the condition of being aged in a significant way.

significantly more advanced in age

Emphasizes the level of advancement in age with a significant difference.

considerably senior

Highlights the seniority aspect with a considerable difference.

decidedly older

Points to an easily recognizable age gap.

markedly more ancient

Stresses the ancient nature with a noticeable distinction.

considerably more seasoned

Stresses experience related to age.

appreciably more mature

Focuses on maturity and the evident difference in age.

noticeably more advanced in years

Emphasizes the progression of years with a clear distinction.

distinctly more aged

Highlights the aged condition with a clear and distinct difference.

FAQs

How can I use "substantially older" in a sentence?

You can use "substantially older" to indicate a significant age difference between two things or people. For example, "The original manuscript is "substantially older" than the revised edition."

What is a good alternative to "substantially older"?

Alternatives include "significantly aged", "considerably senior", or "markedly more ancient", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "substantially older" in formal writing?

Yes, "substantially older" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific or academic contexts, to denote a significant difference in age or time.

What is the difference between "older" and "substantially older"?

"Older" simply indicates that one thing is of a greater age than another. "Substantially older" implies that the age difference is significant or considerable.