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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Younger than 18 years old
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "younger than 18 years old" is correct and can be used in written English
An example sentence could be: "Anyone younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Academia
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
Note: The following information applies to students younger than 18 years old at the time of high school graduation.
Academia
More than 5 million Syrian refugees have been registered by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees since the conflict began, nearly half of them younger than 18 years old.
Academia
Participants who are younger than 18 years old.
Ischemic stroke due to myxoma in children younger than 18 years old is extremely rare.
Science
OBJECTIVES: To establish the typical clinical and dermoscopic patterns of scalp naevi in children younger than 18 years old to help optimize clinical care and management.
Academia
The SPECT/CT of 206 patients was analyzed (70 male and 136 female) with 13 patients younger than 18 years old.
Science
Exclusion criteria included ages younger than 18 years old, diffused alveolar hemorrhage or chronic lung disease, which may mimic ARDS, and directive to withhold intubation.
Patients with a history of an allergic shock reaction to antithrombin, with major bleeding, an age of younger than 18 years old, or who were pregnant were excluded.
Science
Families with children (whether the mother works or not) are also eligible for a cash benefit per child (Ley 24/1997) if the child is younger than 18 years old or if the child suffers from any type of disability.
Science
The proposed government bill requires suffering patients to be no younger than 18 years old and mentally competent.
News & Media
The minimum penalty is $95 for each adult in a household and $47.50 for each child younger than 18 years old, capped at $285 no matter how large a family is.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
When writing for international audiences, be mindful that the age of majority (18 years old) can vary by country. Clarify the legal implications if necessary.
⚠ Common error
Avoid assuming that all legal and social expectations are identical for those "younger than 18 years old" across different cultures or jurisdictions. Laws regarding consent, employment, and other rights vary widely.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "younger than 18 years old" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to specify that they are associated with individuals below the age of 18. Ludwig AI validates this usage across numerous examples.
Expression frequency: Very common
✓ Frequent in
Science
47%
Academia
12%
News & Media
10%
⚠ Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "younger than 18 years old" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to individuals who have not yet reached adulthood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While the phrase is versatile, consider the context and audience to determine if a more concise or formal alternative, such as "under 18" or "minor", might be more appropriate. Always be mindful of cultural and legal variations related to the age of majority when using this phrase internationally.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Under 18 years of age
This alternative uses a slightly more formal and concise phrasing.
Below the age of 18
This phrase restates the age limit using the word "below" instead of "younger".
A minor
This alternative is shorter and refers to the legal status of being underage.
Not yet an adult
This option focuses on the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Of juvenile age
This phrase uses more formal legal terminology.
In adolescence
This term refers to the developmental stage generally associated with being younger than 18.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "younger than 18 years old" in legal documents?
In legal contexts, you can use phrases like "under the age of 18", "a minor", or "not of legal age". The best option depends on the specific legal requirements and the level of formality needed. For instance, you might write, "Any individual "under the age of 18" must have parental consent."
What's the difference between "younger than 18 years old" and "under 18 years of age"?
While the phrases are largely interchangeable, "under 18 years of age" is often considered more formal and is common in legal or official documents. "Younger than 18 years old" is more conversational but equally correct. For instance, "Participants "under 18 years of age" require parental permission."
When should I use "minor" instead of "younger than 18 years old"?
"Minor" is a concise and legally recognized term for someone "younger than 18 years old". It is appropriate when legal status is relevant. For example, "The establishment does not serve alcohol to "minors"."
Is it ever incorrect to say "younger than 18 years old"?
No, it is not incorrect. It is a grammatically sound and universally understood phrase. However, depending on the context, a more formal or concise option like "under 18" or "a minor" might be preferable. In scientific writing, being precise is important: "Patients "younger than 18 years old" were excluded from the study."
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
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Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested