Word
of age
Definition
fixed phrase. to be old enough to do something legally, like voting or buying alcohol.
fixed phrase. having reached the legal age of majority or the specific age required for a particular legal right or responsibility.
Examples
“You can't buy wine until you are of age.”
“In many countries, young people are not considered of age until they turn eighteen.”
“The trust fund remains inaccessible to the heirs until they are officially of age according to the terms of the will.”
Examples
simple
“You can't buy wine until you are of age.”
contextual
“In many countries, young people are not considered of age until they turn eighteen.”
complex
“The trust fund remains inaccessible to the heirs until they are officially of age according to the terms of the will.”
Usage
usually follows the verb 'to be' and is not followed by a specific number.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'come of age', which describes the transition or process, whereas 'of age' describes the state itself.
Pitfall
He is 18 years of age.
He is 18 years old.
while 'years of age' is a formal alternative to 'years old', the phrase 'of age' on its own specifically means reaching the legal limit, not just a count of years.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/of-age