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"20-year-old" vs "20 year old"

Both "20-year-old" and "20 year old" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "20-year-old" is used as an adjective before a noun to describe the age of a person or thing, while "20 year old" is used as a noun phrase to refer to a person who is 20 years old.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

20-year-old

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English as an adjective to describe the age of a person or thing.

Use "20-year-old" when you want to describe the age of a person or thing before a noun. It should be hyphenated to show that it is a single adjective.

Examples:

  • She is a 20-year-old student.
  • The 20-year-old car needs repairs.
  • He is a 20-year-old man.

Alternatives:

  • a 20-year-old
  • a twenty-year-old
  • a person who is 20 years old
  • a 20-year-old person
  • a 20-year-old individual

20 year old

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English as a noun phrase to refer to a person who is 20 years old.

Use "20 year old" when referring to a person who is 20 years old. It is used as a noun phrase and does not require hyphens.

Examples:

  • She is a 20 year old.
  • He is a 20 year old.
  • They are both 20 year olds.

Alternatives:

  • a 20-year-old person
  • a person who is 20 years old
  • a 20-year-old individual
  • a twenty-year-old
  • a twenty-year-old person

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