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Year old vs Year-old
Difference, Examples & Quiz

What's the difference? Which one is correct?

Year old

Definition: Referring to the age of something or someone that has completed a year

Usage: The phrase 'year old' is used to describe the age of a person or thing. It is commonly used in sentences like 'He is one year old' or 'The car is five years old'.

Example sentences:
  • 1. The baby is one year old today.
  • 2. She adopted a two-year-old dog from the shelter.
  • 3. The building is ten years old and needs renovation.
Year-old

Definition: Used as a compound adjective to describe the age of something or someone

Usage: The hyphenated form 'year-old' is used as a compound adjective before a noun to describe the age of that noun. It is commonly used in sentences like 'A five-year-old child' or 'She has a ten-year-old car'.

Example sentences:
  • 1. I have a three-year-old daughter.
  • 2. He is a twenty-year-old college student.
  • 3. She bought a brand-new, two-year-old laptop.

"Year old" and "Year-old" are both used to describe the age of a person or thing. The hyphenated form, "Year-old," is the correct and standard way to write this phrase, while the non-hyphenated form, "Year old," is considered incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing.

Quizzes about "Year old" vs "Year-old"

Year old vs Year-old: 5 Quizzes

1. What is the correct way to write the phrase 'Year old'?

2. Which is the proper spelling of 'Year old'?

3. How should the phrase 'Year old' be written?

4. What is the correct spelling of 'Year old'?

5. Which is the right way to write 'Year old'?

FAQs

  • What does 'year old' mean?

    'Year old' is a phrase used to describe the age of something or someone. It indicates that the thing or person is one year in age.

  • How do you use 'year old' in a sentence?

    You can use 'year old' in a sentence like this: 'My dog is one year old.' It helps specify the age of the subject.

  • Is 'year old' hyphenated?

    Yes, when 'year old' is used as a compound adjective before a noun, it is typically hyphenated. For example, 'a five-year-old car.'

  • Can 'year old' be used for non-living things?

    Yes, 'year old' can be used to describe the age of non-living things as well. For example, 'a ten-year-old building.'

  • Are 'year old' and 'year-old' the same?

    Yes, 'year old' and 'year-old' have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. Both indicate an age of one year.