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1 min read
Amanda Miller
April 29, 2024
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1 min read

How "at the age of" differs from "in the age of"

Learn the differences between "at the age of" and "in the age of" to accurately discuss historical periods and personal milestones in English.
How "at the age of" differs from "in the age of"

How "at the age of" differs from "in the age of"

Why do we say "at the age of 10" but "in the age of technology"? When talking about time and age in English, it's important to know whether to use "at the age of" or "in the age of." Here's what sets them apart.

In the age of

We use "in the age of" when referring to specific historical times or periods when something was common or popular. It's like saying "back when everyone was using or doing this."

 

For example,

"In the age of the internet, information is everywhere."

"Newspapers have to find new ways to engage readers in the age of digital media."

"In the age of electric cars, filling up at a gas station is slowly becoming a thing of the past."

"Castles were a common form of defense for royalty in the Middle Ages."

Castle on a hill

At the age of

On the other hand, "at the age of" is used when we're talking about someone's age, particularly to specify when a certain event occurred in relation to their age.

 

For example,

"She started playing the piano at the age of six."

Girl playing piano

"He joined the military at the age of 18."

"John started his own business at the age of 22."

"At the age of 15, Claire won her first music competition."

 

Knowing the difference between "at the age of" and "in the age of" makes it easier to talk about personal milestones, broader eras, and the language we use to describe them.

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