Do these two have any differences or similarities? Well, do you still wanna expand your knowledge? Well, why don't you join me?

"Older" vs. "Elder" in English

What is Their Main Difference?

Both are comparative adjectives indicating someone who has lived longer than another. However, 'elder' only refers to humans, and can function as a noun, too, whereas, 'older' can be used for both humans and animals.

Differences

As mentioned above, 'elder' is a comparative adjective indicating that someone has lived longer than another person. It can also function as a noun to refer to someone who is in a higher position. Look below:

Among the ten sisters, she is the elder one.

My elder brother used to be a doctor.

'Older', on the other hand, can only function as a comparative adjective. Take a look at the examples below:

How dare you talk to your older sister like that?

Is there an older version of the Qoran?

Similarities

As stated above, they are both comparative adjectives indicating that someone has lived longer than them. Look:

'Respect your elders' they always say.

Many say 'the older you get, the wiser you become', but I don't believe in the relation between time and maturity.

Are They Interchangeable?

Most people use these two terms interchangeably. Just remember that 'elder' can be a noun, whereas 'older' is only an adjective. Compare:

✓ The elders always got the VIP seats.

X The olders always got the VIP seats.

As mentioned above, this one is wrong because 'older' can never be a noun.

Comments

(0)
Loading Recaptcha...
Share on :

Recommended

Onto vs. On to

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
In this lesson, we're gonna delve into the more grammatically confusing words. Are you ready? Do you still wanna learn? Let's go.

Output vs. Outcome

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
This time, we're gonna delve into the differences and similarities between these two words. Wanna learn more about them? C'mon.

On time vs. In time

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
This time, we're gonna delve into more grammatically confusing words. I'm pretty sure you've heard them before. Wanna come in? Join me.

Oversee vs. Overlook

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
I'm pretty sure you've heard these two words before, haven't you? Well, this time, we're gonna learn about all the differences and similarities.

Possum vs. Opossum

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
Let's delve into the similarities and differences between these two words, shall we? I know you might look confused, but It's ok.

Prevent vs. Avoid

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in to your account
Close
Sign in
This time, we're gonna learn all about the differences and similarities between these two words. Do you wanna expand your knowledge? C'mon.
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app