youngster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "youngster" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a young person, often a child or teenager. Example: "The community center offers various programs for youngsters to engage in sports and arts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were going into every challenge full-blooded and Chris Gunter showed no mercy as he challenged Danny Lafferty so forcefully he sent the Northern Ireland international flying over the advertising hoardings, wiped the linesman out and also saw a ball boy require lengthy treatment that ended in the youngster being carried away on the stretcher.

The Guardian - Sport

One of Kennedy's fans as a youngster has posted the kind letter the then MP wrote in response to a query about his favourite Muppets character.

The Guardian

What if teachers could take a youngster and shape his or her very self?

The Guardian

As a result, in a move that could have radically altered the history of both clubs, Parma turned their attention to a promising youngster called Alessandro Del Piero, who was just a bushy-haired 19-year-old at the time.

The Guardian - Sport

Ruta Meilutyte hit the front in the 100m breaststroke and her last 25m brimmed with the confidence of a youngster never having tried and failed.

The Guardian - Sport

Against France she was the spearhead of an England pack that lacks the power it had when the now retired Maggie Alphonsi was smashing every breakdown in sight but the 21-year-old lock is not the only youngster to demonstrate she has a long international future ahead of her.

The Guardian - Sport

Well, I used to get a lot more nervous when I was a youngster but when I got into the senior ranks and became full-time I found it easier to be calmer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mary was previously married to King Francis II of France, though historians aren't sure if the marriage was consummated: he was a sickly youngster of just 15 when they wed, and soon perished of a brain abscess.

The Guardian - Film

That has left a local league player from Conakry and a youngster who plays in the French fifth division (if he is fit) to take on Ghana's star forward, Asamoah Gyan – the highest-earning African sportsman ever.

The Guardian - Sport

Keatings completed his hat-trick just before the hour as the youngster curled a free-kick into the top-left corner to cap a dream day.

The Guardian - Sport

Probably my first global title as a youngster.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the age range you want to convey. If you're referring specifically to someone in their teens, "teenager" is more accurate.

Common error

Avoid using "youngster" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "young person" or "individual" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "youngster" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a young person. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is widely used to describe individuals in their youth across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

30%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "youngster" is a versatile noun used to describe a young person, carrying a slightly informal and often endearing tone. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its common usage, especially in news, sports, and lifestyle contexts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's best to avoid "youngster" in highly formal writing, opting instead for more neutral alternatives like "young person". Whether you're discussing a rising star in sports or a child's experiences, "youngster" offers a relatable way to connect with your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

young person

A straightforward and neutral alternative.

young individual

A slightly more formal and distanced synonym.

youth

A more general term for a young person, often implying a slightly older age range than "youngster".

child

Refers to a very young person, typically before adolescence.

kid

An informal term for a child or young person.

teenager

Specifically refers to someone in their teens (13-19 years old).

minor

A legal term for someone under the age of majority.

juvenile

Often used in legal or formal contexts to refer to a young person.

adolescent

Refers to someone in the stage of development between childhood and adulthood.

rising star

Implies potential and talent in a young person, often used in sports or entertainment contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "youngster" in a sentence?

You can use "youngster" to refer to a young person, especially in informal contexts. For example, "The coach praised the "youngster"'s performance."

What is a good alternative to "youngster"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "child", "youth", "teenager", or "young person".

When is it appropriate to use "youngster"?

"Youngster" is appropriate in informal settings, sports commentary, or news reports when referring to a young person. It adds a slightly affectionate tone.

Is "youngster" more or less formal than "child"?

"Youngster" is generally considered slightly more informal than "child" but less formal than "kid". The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.