Year old vs. Year-old

In this lesson, we're gonna discuss the differences and similarities between these two words. Interested in learning more? Well, come on.

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both Indicate the age. However, 'year old' simply describes someone's age, whereas, 'year-old' comes when it functions as an adjective.

Differences

We use 'year old' when we are mainly describing someone's age, whereas, 'year-old' comes when it functions as an adjective. Look at the examples below:

How can a 17 year-old kill half of the humanity?

Hello. I'm Sara. I'm 55 years old.

Similarities

Both point out someone's age. Check out the examples below:

You're five years old?

A 20 year-old girl like you can never beat me in anything.

Are They Interchangeable?

Since they have different grammatical functions, if we use them interchangeably, our sentence will be incorrect. Compare:

✓ It seems that a 15 year-old boy has led these protests.

X It seems that a 15 years old boy has led these protests.

Comments

Criteria vs. Criterion

Do you think these two words are both correct? What if they're not? Well, don't panic if you don't know anything about them.

Deep-seated vs. Deep-seeded

This time, we're gonna analyze the differences and similarities between these two words. Wanna learn more? Why don't you come with me?

Pass time vs. Pastime

In this lesson, we're gonna discuss the differences and similarities between these two words. Well, If you're still interested in learning, come on.

Began vs. Begun

This time, we're gonna analyze the differences between these two vers. Are you familiar with their tenses? Well, join me and we'll being our lesson.

Free Rein vs. Free Reign

Ladies and gentlemen, let's move on to our next pair of confusing words. Are you ready? This time, we'll work on 'rein' vs. 'reign'.

Cheque vs. Check

This time, we're gonna talk about the differences and similarities between these two words. Well, ready to expand your knowledge?

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