that much older

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that much older" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific degree or amount of age difference. For example, "My brother is five years older than me, but my sister is that much older than him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Whether he knows it or not, the fact that Karle gets paid for any of his videos puts him in the middle of a debate that much older media professionals have been trying to settle for years.

Vice

Older than that, much older.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm that much older now".

The New York Times

"I'm not that much older than you".

The New York Times

"I just remember thinking he was not that much older than me.

The New York Times

It turns out that much older fossils hold clues to their hues.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

However, those who rather look at the forest of life need to keep in mind that there are some trees in that forest that are much older and larger than the others.

Biology Direct

So much that we are now thinking of buying one – one that's much older, of course, and rather smaller.

The Guardian - Travel

It's a role that normally went to Odom's "grandmother or someone that was much older," he said.

Los Angeles Times

The age distribution of the 190 TE insertions sampled in this study indicates a large number of copies that have experienced either zero or few substitutions as well as a significant number that are much older.

Genetics

Both were born in 1891, but they represent a way of life that is much older.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing ages, ensure the context is clear. For instance, specify the reference point: "He is five years older than his brother, but still not "that much older" than their father".

Common error

Avoid using "that much older" without establishing a clear point of comparison. Saying "he is that much older" without specifying who or what he is older than creates ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that much older" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a relative comparison of age. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in contrasting age differences, often to downplay a significant disparity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that much older" is a commonly used adjectival phrase to describe a relative, and often moderate, difference in age. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It appears frequently in news and media, and its purpose is often to contextualize an age gap rather than emphasize it. While versatile, the phrase works best when a clear comparison point exists and less when the frame of reference is missing. Understanding how to wield such phrase is key to precise writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly older

Emphasizes a considerable difference in age.

considerably older

Highlights a noteworthy age gap.

noticeably older

Focuses on the obviousness of the age difference.

appreciably older

Indicates a measurable or significant age difference.

markedly older

Stresses a distinct and clear age disparity.

somewhat older

Implies a slight or moderate age difference.

a good bit older

Suggests a substantial, but not precisely defined, age difference.

quite a bit older

Similar to "a good bit older", implying a notable age difference.

much senior

Focuses on the aspect of seniority due to age.

substantially aged

Highlights the aging process resulting in a significant age difference.

FAQs

How can I use "that much older" in a sentence?

Use "that much older" to indicate a specific degree of age difference relative to another person or thing. Example: "While he is older, he isn't "that much older" than his colleagues."

What's a good alternative to "that much older"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "significantly older", "considerably older", or "noticeably older".

Is it correct to say "that much older than"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The phrase "that much older" is typically followed by "than" to specify the point of comparison, such as in the sentence "She isn't "that much older" than me."

What does "that much older" imply about the age difference?

It suggests a moderate to small difference in age. If the age gap were substantial, other phrases like "significantly older" might be more appropriate.