"in old age"是一个常用的英语介词短语,核心含义是"在晚年""年老时",强调处于"老年"这一人生阶段(而非具体某个年龄点)。
指人进入老年(通常是退休后或身体/精力明显衰退的阶段)的时期,用于描述这个阶段的状态、动作或经历。
"in old age"是时间状语,可置于句首或句末,常与描述"状态保持""行为变化""生活经历"的动词搭配(如remain, become, live, enjoy, start, regret等)。
注意:更具体的表达是"in one's old age"(在某人的晚年),加上所有格(his/her/my等)后指向更明确。1、 句末用法(最常见):
He became more patient in old age.(他晚年变得更有耐心了。)
The artist finally achieved fame in his old age.(这位艺术家晚年终于成名。)
They lived a quiet life in their old age.(他们晚年过着平静的生活。)
2、 句首用法(强调"晚年"这一阶段):
In old age, many people prioritize health over wealth.(晚年时,很多人把健康看得比财富重要。)
In her old age, my grandmother still loved reading novels.(我祖母晚年依然喜欢读小说。)
3、 与"regret/start/enjoy"等动词搭配:
He never regretted his career choice in old age.(他晚年从未后悔自己的职业选择。)
She started learning the piano in her old age—it was her lifelong dream.(她晚年开始学钢琴——那是她一生的梦想。)
They enjoyed traveling around the world in old age.(他们晚年喜欢环游世界。)
in old age:强调"老年阶段"(时间段),如"晚年的生活状态"。
at an old age:强调"具体年龄点"(时间点),通常接数字,如:He died at an old age of 92.(他92岁高龄去世。)
when one is old:更口语化的表达,等同于"in old age",如:She will move to the countryside when she is old.(她老了会搬到乡下。)
"in old age"(或"in one's old age")是描述"晚年"的标准短语,用于客观说明人生阶段,搭配灵活,适用于书面和口语场景。