under 18

USAGE SUMMARY

"under 18" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to people or things that are not yet 18 years old. Example: The film has a PG-13 rating, so viewers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Rule No. 8: Soft drugs, NOT UNDER 18.

The New York Times

No one under 18 will be admitted.

The New York Times - Arts

Half of Burundians are under 18.

The Economist

Seventeen of the girls were under 18.

Independent

Two of those killed were under 18.

Independent

Most members are under 18.

The New York Times

Children under 18 stay free.

The New York Times - Travel

Many of the users are under 18.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Being 25-0 doesn't happen at any level, in Under-18 soccer, in Under-18 volleyball.

The Guardian - Sport

Janko is a Switzerland Under-18 international.

BBC

*Names of under-18 furries have been changed.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing data or statistics, using "under 18" provides a clear and quantifiable measure for segmentation. Avoid using vague terms such as "youth" or "children" unless the specific age range is well-defined.

Common error

Be specific about the age range when using "under 18". Avoid using it interchangeably with terms like "teenager" or "child" if a precise age delineation is crucial. In legal or statistical contexts, the term "under 18" carries a specific meaning that should not be diluted by imprecise language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under 18" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, such as "children", "users", or "patients". Ludwig AI analysis and examples show that it is used to specify an age criterion, categorizing individuals who have not yet reached the age of adulthood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under 18" is a common and grammatically correct term used to refer to individuals who have not yet reached the age of majority. Ludwig AI confirms that it's employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business, primarily to define and classify a specific age group. This classification is critical for legal, statistical, and policy-related purposes. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it often appears in more formal settings due to its precision. For alternative phrasing, "minor" or "below the age of majority" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When writing, it's essential to maintain specificity with age ranges to avoid ambiguity, as using "teenager" or "child" interchangeably may lack the precision needed in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor

This is a shorter, more direct synonym for someone under the age of 18.

underage

Emphasizes that someone is below the required age for a specific activity or legal right.

below the age of majority

This phrase is more formal and legalistic, emphasizing the legal status.

not of legal age

Focuses on the inability to perform actions requiring adulthood.

youth

Refers to the stage of life before adulthood, encompassing those under 18.

juvenile

Often used in legal and formal contexts when referring to those under 18.

teenage

Specifically refers to individuals between the ages of 13 and 19, capturing a subset of those "under 18".

child

A more general term for a young person, often implying someone younger than 18.

young person

A broader term, but frequently used to describe someone under 18.

in childhood

This refers to the state of being a child or being "under 18".

FAQs

How can I use "under 18" in a sentence?

You can use "under 18" to specify age restrictions or characteristics of a group. For example, "Children "under 18" years of age require parental consent".

What is a more formal way to say "under 18"?

A more formal alternative to "under 18" is "below the age of majority". It's often used in legal or official documents to precisely define the age group.

Is there a difference between saying "under 18" and "minor"?

While "under 18" and "minor" are often used interchangeably, "minor" is typically a legal term indicating someone who hasn't reached adulthood. "Under 18" is a more descriptive phrase indicating an age range.

What are some contexts where using the phrase "under 18" is particularly important?

Using "under 18" is crucial in contexts involving legal age, consent, or statistical data concerning children and adolescents. This ensures clarity in policies and research.