Phrase Expressions About Age in English
When discussing age in English, there are various expressions and phrases used to convey different nuances. Understanding these expressions can help you speak more naturally and fluently. Let’s explore some common expressions about age, provide example sentences, conversations, and practice exercises to solidify your understanding.
Common Expressions About Age
Years Old
- This is the most straightforward way to state someone’s age.
- Example: “She is 25 years old.”
In One’s Early/Mid/Late [Decade]
- This expression is used to approximate someone’s age within a decade.
- Example: “He is in his early twenties.” (21-23 years old)
- Example: “She is in her mid-thirties.” (34-36 years old)
- Example: “They are in their late forties.” (47-49 years old)
Turning [Age]
- This phrase indicates that someone is about to reach a certain age.
- Example: “She is turning 30 next month.”
Underage / Of Age
- “Underage” refers to someone who is younger than the legal adult age.
- “Of age” means someone has reached the legal adult age.
- Example: “You must be of age to buy alcohol.”
Age Is Just a Number
- This phrase suggests that age is less important than how one feels or behaves.
- Example: “Age is just a number; you are as young as you feel.”
To Be Getting On In Years
- A polite way of saying someone is becoming older.
- Example: “He is getting on in years and cannot work as hard as he used to.”
Over the Hill
- This idiomatic expression often refers humorously to someone who is past their prime.
- Example: “At 50, some people think you’re over the hill, but life is just beginning!”
Example Sentences
Simple Sentences:
- “She is 12 years old.”
- “He is turning 16 next week.”
- “My grandfather is getting on in years.”
- Complex Sentences:
- “Although she is in her late thirties, she looks much younger.”
- “Despite being underage, he tried to enter the club.”
- Comparative Sentences:
- “He feels that age is just a number, unlike his peers who feel old at 50.”
- “She is in her early twenties, while her sister is in her mid-twenties.”
Example Conversation
John: “Hi, Mary! I haven’t seen you in ages. How have you been?”
Mary: “Hi, John! I’ve been good. Just celebrated my 30th birthday last week.”
John: “Wow, 30 already? Time flies! How does it feel to be turning 30?”
Mary: “Honestly, it feels the same. I believe age is just a number. How about you? How old are you now?”
John: “I’m in my late thirties. I’ll be 38 next month.”
Mary: “You don’t look it at all! I thought you were still in your early thirties.”
John: “Thanks! I guess we are both getting on in years but still feel young at heart.”
Practice Exercises
Fill in the Blanks:
- She is _ (25 years old / turning 25 / getting on in years).
- He will be _ (in his mid-thirties / of age / over the hill) next year.
Multiple Choice:
- At 45, some people consider you to be:
a) In your early forties
b) Over the hill
c) Underage - Someone who is 17 years old is:
a) Of age
b) Underage
c) Turning 18
Rewrite the Sentences:
- “She is almost 20 years old.” → “She is _.”
- “He is 50 years old and feels old.” → “He is _ but feels young.”
Short Answer:
- What does “age is just a number” mean to you?
- How would you describe someone who is 35 years old using the phrase “in one’s mid-thirties”?
Answers to Practice Exercises
Fill in the Blanks:
- She is 25 years old.
- He will be in his mid-thirties next year.
Multiple Choice:
- At 45, some people consider you to be:
- b) Over the hill
- Someone who is 17 years old is:
- b) Underage
Rewrite the Sentences:
- “She is almost 20 years old.” → “She is turning 20.”
- “He is 50 years old and feels old.” → “He is over the hill but feels young.”
Short Answer:
- “Age is just a number” means that one’s actual age is less important than how one feels or behaves.
- Someone who is 35 years old can be described as “in one’s mid-thirties.”
By practicing these expressions, example sentences, conversations, and exercises, you will become more comfortable discussing age in English.