- Do you know whether to say “at the age of” or “in the age of”?
- Have you ever wondered how to describe someone getting older without sounding rude?
- Are you looking for the right words to describe historical periods or life milestones?
Mastering collocations with the word “age” is a vital step toward sounding natural and fluent in English. Instead of simply knowing the definition of the word, learning which words “hug” it—its collocations—helps you avoid the awkward “translated” feel and allows you to express complex ideas about time, biology, and history with ease.
Essential Collocations using AGE as a Noun
In English, “age” most commonly functions as a noun referring to the length of time someone has lived or a particular period in history. Here are the most natural ways to use it.
1. Talking about Specific Milestones
These phrases describe specific points in a person’s life journey.
- At the age of: Used to specify when something happened. (e.g., “She learned to code at the age of sixty.”)
- Of age: Reaching the legal status of an adult. (e.g., “He will inherit the money when he comes of age.”)
- Tender age: Used to describe someone very young. (e.g., “He started playing the violin at the tender age of four.”)
- Ripe old age: A polite and slightly humorous way to describe a long life. (e.g., “She lived to the ripe old age of ninety-five.”)
2. Age Groups and Categories
When we talk about groups of people or legal requirements, we use these combinations.
- Age group: A set of people of similar ages. (e.g., “This toy is not suitable for this age group.”)
- Retirement age: The age at which people usually stop working. (e.g., “The government is considering raising the retirement age.”)
- School age: Children old enough to go to school. (e.g., “Most school-age children now have access to tablets.”)
- Voting age: The legal age to cast a vote. (e.g., “Should the voting age be lowered to sixteen?”)
3. Eras and Historical Periods
In this context, “age” refers to a distinct period in time.
- Digital age: The current period dominated by technology. (e.g., “Privacy is a major concern in the digital age.”)
- Golden age: A period of great happiness, prosperity, or achievement. (e.g., “The 1920s are often seen as the golden age of jazz.”)
- Ice Age: A prehistoric period of thick ice cover. (e.g., “Mammoths went extinct after the last Ice Age.”)
Common Collocations with AGE as a Verb
As a verb, “age” describes the process of getting older or the process of maturing (like cheese or wine). It is a “stative” or “action” verb depending on the context.
1. The Human Aging Process
These collocations describe how people look or feel as time passes.
- Age gracefully: To grow older while maintaining a good appearance and attitude. (e.g., “Many people admire how she has aged gracefully.”)
- Age rapidly: To look older very quickly, often due to stress. (e.g., “The president seemed to age rapidly during his first term.”)
- Show signs of aging: When physical changes from getting older become visible. (e.g., “Even at thirty, his skin was starting to show signs of aging.”)
2. Maturation of Products
In the culinary and manufacturing world, “aging” is often a positive process.
- Aged in (barrels/vats): Used for wine or spirits. (e.g., “This whiskey was aged in oak barrels for twelve years.”)
- Aged cheese: Cheese that has been left to develop flavor. (e.g., “I prefer the sharp taste of aged cheddar.”)
The Master Summary Table
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| At the age of | Noun Phrase | A specific point in time (age) |
| Age gracefully | Verb + Adverb | Growing old in a beautiful/healthy way |
| Golden age | Adjective + Noun | A peak period of success |
| Coming of age | Noun Phrase | Transitioning from childhood to adulthood |
| Aged cheese | Adjective (Participle) | Food allowed to mature for flavor |
| Under age | Prepositional Phrase | Below the legal limit |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
Learners often carry over structures from their native languages. Avoid these common pitfalls to sound more like a native speaker.
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| I have 25 years. | I am 25 years old. (or) I am 25. |
| In the age of 10, I moved. | At the age of 10, I moved. |
| He is in a young age. | He is at a young age. (or) He is young. |
| The milk is aging. | The milk is going off/spoiling. (Age is for cheese/wine) |
“When my grandfather reached the retirement age, he didn’t slow down. Although he was at a ripe old age, he decided to start a business in the digital age. He always said that if you stay active, you will age gracefully. By the time I come of age, I hope to have half of his energy and wisdom.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Age Collocations
Is it “at the age of” or “at age”?
Both are correct. “At the age of 20” is more formal and common in writing. “At age 20” is more concise and frequently used in journalism, reports, or casual conversation.
What is the difference between “ageing” and “aging”?
This is a dialect difference. “Ageing” is the preferred spelling in British English (UK), while “aging” is the standard spelling in American English (US).
When do I use “underage” as one word?
Use “underage” as an adjective before a noun, such as “underage drinking.” Use “under age” (two words) as a prepositional phrase, such as “You cannot enter if you are under age.”
What does “of a certain age” mean?
This is a polite, slightly indirect way of saying someone is no longer young, usually referring to middle-aged or elderly people. For example: “The store caters to women of a certain age.”
Can “age” be used for inanimate objects?
Yes. We often say “the age of the building” or “the age of the earth.” However, for technology, we usually use “obsolete” or “outdated” rather than saying the object is “aging” unless we mean it is physically falling apart.
Is 'look your age' a compliment? My friend told me I don't look my age and I wasn't sure if I should be happy!
I'm a teacher in Brazil and I'll definitely share this list with my advanced students. The nuance between 'at' and 'in' is a classic mistake!
We are so glad to hear that, Clara! Teachers like you are the reason we love creating these resources. Let us know if your students have any specific questions!
Is there a difference between 'ageing' and 'aging'? I see both spellings online.
What about 'digital age'? Is that a collocation or just two words put together?
It's definitely a common collocation, Ingrid! We use it to describe the current period of history dominated by technology. Other similar ones are 'information age' and 'space age'.
This is very helpful for my IELTS preparation. Collocations really make the difference in the speaking test!
Can we use 'age' as a verb too? I heard someone say 'This wine has aged well'.
I struggle with 'of age'. If I say 'I am of age', does it automatically mean I am 18?
In a legal context, yes, Sofia! It usually means you have reached the legal threshold for adulthood in your country. Without a specific number, 'of age' implies you are legally allowed to do things like vote or sign contracts.
How do I describe the period when someone is neither a child nor a full adult? Is 'adolescent age' common?
I read the phrase 'ripe old age' in a book. It sounds like fruit! Is it a positive thing to say about someone?
It is actually a very positive and respectful idiom, Aarti! To live to a 'ripe old age' means to have lived a long, full, and healthy life. It’s often used when celebrating someone’s longevity.
The article mentions 'milestones'. Are there specific collocations for 'retirement age' or 'school age'?
Yes, Chao! Those are perfect examples of compound nouns using 'age'. We also use 'voting age' and 'marriageable age'. They specify the legal or typical time for those life events.