"from the earliest age" vs "from an earlier age"

Question

"from the earliest age" vs "from an earlier age"

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'From an earlier age' implies a comparison with a later age, suggesting a point in time that is not the most recent. On the other hand, 'from the earliest age' emphasizes the very beginning of one's life without necessarily comparing it to any other age.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

This phrase is used to highlight the starting point of someone's life without necessarily comparing it to any other age.

Examples:

She has been passionate about music from the earliest age.
He showed an interest in science from the earliest age.

Alternatives:

from the very beginning
from the start
from the outset
from the beginning of time
from the dawn of time

This phrase is used to refer to a point in time in the past that is not the most recent, indicating a comparison with a later age.

Examples:

She has been interested in art from an earlier age than most of her peers.
He learned to play the piano from an earlier age than his siblings.

Alternatives:

from a young age
from a tender age
from a very young age
from a relatively young age
from a less mature age

Answer 1

from the earliest age

This phrase is correct and can be used to emphasize the very beginning of one's life.

Answer 2

from an earlier age

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"from the earliest age" vs "from an earlier age"

from the earliest age

from an earlier age

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