Talking about AGE in English

Talking about AGE in English

Hi English learners! Welcome to a new lesson. We are going to look at some useful words and expressions we use for talking about age, growing up, etc.

Being an everyday topic, vocabulary relating to age definitely deserves our attention. 

How old are you?

First and foremost, let’s clear up something very important. The most common mistake English learners make when talking about age is saying that they “have years”. Remember always to use to be when talking about age.

Don’t say: I have 25 years or I am 25 years.

Say: I am 25 (years old).

Stages in a person’s life

We can talk about different stages in someone’s life from their birth until they die in general.

Baby – a very young child, up to twelve months old.

• Our baby will be 6 months old next week.

Toddler – a 1-3-year-old child.

• Our little son is a toddler, he’s learning to walk and talk.

Child – a young human.

• This film is not suitable for children.

Teenager – a young person aged 13-19.

• The article is aimed at teenagers.

Adult – a grown-up person, over 18.

• Admission is free for children but adults must pay.

Middle-aged – a person between 40 and 60, in the middle of their life.

• Our teacher is a middle-aged lady.

Elderly – a person over 70 or 80.

• My grandparents are elderly people.

Be in your early/mid/late 20s, 30s, 60s...

• Jane is in her late 30s, while her husband is in his mid-forties.
• People usually retire in their late 50s or early 60s.

We can also say that someone is approximate/about/roughly + age.

• I don’t know exactly, but I assume that she is about 40.

Or, we can say that people are nearly/almost + age.

• My aunt is almost 60.

Other useful expressions for talking about age in English

• I’ll be 24 on my next birthday or I’ll turn 24 on my next birthday.
• Michael is a 20-year-old student from Edinburgh. (don’t say I’m 20-years-old or 20 years old)
• At 35, Mira was a famous actress.
• We have twins aged 14.
• Children under 12 shouldn’t watch this programme.

Conversation questions for talking about age in English

• What was your favourite toy when you were a toddler?
• What was the best age in your life, and what do you think is the best/worst age to be at?
• At what age do people usually retire in your country?
• What advice would you give to a younger self?
• Do you look your age or do you look older/younger?
• How do you feel when people ask you about your age? 
• Do you celebrate your birthdays and do you look forward to them?
• Do you think ageing is more difficult for men or for women?
• What happens with elderly people in your culture? Do they live in homes for elderly people or do their families take care of them?
• Do you believe that technology will manage to stop ageing someday?

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