upon reaching adulthood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon reaching adulthood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific point in time when someone becomes an adult, often in discussions about responsibilities, rights, or changes that occur at that age. Example: "Upon reaching adulthood, many individuals begin to take on more responsibilities and make independent decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

The New York Times - Magazine

Unlike adoption, there is no loss of legal rights, and it's expected that upon reaching adulthood the child will help support the biological parents.

The New Yorker

However upon reaching adulthood they discovered they were blessed with unexpected innate abilities and were thrust onto the larger stage just as they had always dreamt of.

The Guardian - Sport

C. 1495 Germany November 27, 1527 Basel, Switzerland Hans Denck, (born c. 1495, Habach, Bavaria [Germany] died November 27, 1527, Basel, Switzerland) German theologian and Reformer who opposed Lutheranism in favour of Anabaptism, the Reformation movement that stressed the baptism of individuals upon reaching adulthood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It said the television station "airs programs and music videos designed to recruit children to become Hamas armed fighters and suicide bombers upon reaching adulthood".The sanctions call for assets held by the bank and the television station under American jurisdiction to be frozen.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The relationship was to be temporary and should end upon the boy reaching adulthood (Dover, 1989).

SEP

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon reaching adulthood" to emphasize the transition into adulthood and the changes or responsibilities that come with it. It's particularly effective in formal writing or when discussing legal or societal expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "upon reaching adulthood" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "when you become an adult" or "after turning 18" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon reaching adulthood" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, indicating the timing of an event or action. Ludwig indicates its use across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upon reaching adulthood" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that signifies the transition into adulthood. Ludwig confirms its presence across a variety of reputable sources, including news outlets, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it is most appropriate in neutral to formal contexts where the emphasis is on the changes or responsibilities associated with becoming an adult. Simpler alternatives exist for informal settings. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is suitable for use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on attaining adulthood

This alternative uses "attaining", which is slightly more formal than "reaching."

when becoming an adult

This alternative is simpler and more direct, lacking the formality of "upon."

as they transition into adulthood

Focuses on the process of becoming an adult rather than a specific point.

after becoming an adult

A more straightforward and less formal way of expressing the same idea.

at the age of majority

This is a more legalistic and precise way to indicate adulthood.

once they are legally an adult

Emphasizes the legal aspect of adulthood.

when one comes of age

An idiomatic expression indicating the attainment of adulthood, somewhat less formal.

following their eighteenth birthday

Specifies a common legal milestone for adulthood, making it more concrete.

in early adulthood

Focuses on the period of life immediately following the attainment of adulthood rather than the moment itself.

at the dawn of adulthood

A more poetic way to express the beginning of adulthood.

FAQs

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

Use "upon reaching adulthood" to describe events or responsibilities that commence when someone legally becomes an adult. For example, "Upon reaching adulthood, individuals gain the right to vote."

What are some alternatives to "upon reaching adulthood"?

You can use alternatives like "when becoming an adult", "at the age of majority", or "on attaining adulthood depending on the context.

Is it more correct to say "upon reaching adulthood" or "when reaching adulthood"?

"Upon reaching adulthood" is generally considered more formal and emphasizes the moment of transition. "When reaching adulthood" is less formal but still grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "upon reaching adulthood" and "in early adulthood"?

"Upon reaching adulthood" refers to the specific point of becoming an adult. "In early adulthood" refers to the period of life shortly after becoming an adult.