with advancing years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with advancing years" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to someone who is getting older. Example: As people age, they often become wiser with advancing years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

According to the principles of optics, the bulging curvature should make the lens focus better and better with advancing years.

The New York Times - Health

Men have more sex and more interest in sex at all ages, and the gender gap widens with advancing years.

Independent

Nor do they, or the medical profession, know why it inflates with advancing years from walnut to coconut in size, and then decides to become a cancer bomb.

The Guardian - Opinion

Miss Athill writes beautifully, even about mundane subjects, and it is fascinating to follow the change in her preoccupations with advancing years.

The Economist

I wondered if he felt that his friendship with me had somehow compromised his love for his wife, or if he was in the grip of that contrariness which comes, or so I feared, with advancing years.

The New Yorker

While cell death is hardwired into every organism's DNA, much of the infirmity that comes with advancing years is from an accumulation of molecular insults that, experts contend, may to some degree be prevented, even reversed.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In recent years, Ms. Bishop, the subject of a profile in The New York Times in March, grew uncomfortable with her advancing years and adopted a novel way of counting her age.

The New York Times

Not only are they fine actors and valued exports, but they have proven themselves exceptional gymnasts, flexible enough, even with the advancing years, to wedge their feet firmly into their own mouths.

The Guardian - Film

Gerrard's influence in a holding role, tailored to fit in with those advancing years and the understandable realisation he was not the rampaging game-changer of old, was reduced at such an elite level.

BBC

Connolly plays a randy, fun-loving character whose love for women of all ages has not abated with his advancing years and Collins is in fine form as the sweet member of the quartet who suffers from dementia.

Huffington Post

With Louis B. gone, and none of Andy's daughters interested in going into the business, and with his own advancing years, he decided to sell.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with advancing years" to subtly indicate a gradual change or development associated with aging, rather than a sudden event.

Common error

Avoid using "with advancing years" in very casual or informal writing; simpler phrases like "as you get older" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with advancing years" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to indicate when or under what circumstances something occurs. It describes changes or developments that happen as someone ages. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with advancing years" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes the influence of aging on various aspects of life. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, indicating gradual changes linked to getting older. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to avoid overuse in extremely informal settings. Alternatives such as "as time goes on" or "with increasing age" can offer similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. Keep in mind that while this phrase works well to indicate a slow process, simpler phrases could be more fit to indicate a sudden event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with age

Shorter, more concise version.

with increasing age

Similar meaning, slightly different word order.

as age increases

Highlights the progression of age itself.

as the years advance

Emphasizes the forward movement of time.

as time goes on

Focuses on the continuous passage of time.

as the years pass

Focuses on the years as they elapse.

in later life

Emphasizes the later stages of existence.

as one gets older

More personal and direct.

in one's old age

Highlights the state of being old.

as maturity progresses

Focuses on the development of maturity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "with advancing years"?

You can use alternatives like "as time goes on", "as age increases", or "with increasing age" to express a similar concept.

Is "with advancing years" formal or informal?

The phrase "with advancing years" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although simpler alternatives might be preferred in very casual situations.

What are some common things that change "with advancing years"?

Common changes associated "with advancing years" include physical abilities, wisdom, and perspectives on life. Consider using the phrase to highlight these transitions.

How does "with advancing years" compare to "as one gets older"?

"With advancing years" is more formal and emphasizes the gradual passage of time, while "as one gets older" is more direct and personal.