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How to talk about age in English | I am vs I have | On Your Mark's English


https://video.wixstatic.com/video/7292c6_49163dcd1e9944cbb6815eaab7e37c7c/1080p/mp4/file.mp4
Thursday Common Mistakes: Stop saying "I have 25 years!" Learn the correct way to talk about age in 60 seconds. 🛠️🎂
An infographic showing "I have 25 years" with a red 'X' and "I am 25 years old" with a green checkmark, explaining the use of the verb 'to be' for age.
An infographic showing "I have 25 years" with a red 'X' and "I am 25 years old" with a green checkmark, explaining the use of the verb 'to be' for age.

Common Mistakes: Why you don't "have" age in English


🎥 Watch the video version of this lesson above!


If you speak a language like Spanish, French, or Italian, you probably say "I have 20 years." It makes sense in those languages!

However, in English, this is one of the first mistakes teachers notice.


The Logic 💡

In English, we don't think of age as something you own or carry in a pocket.

Instead, age is who you are. It is your state of being.

Because of this, we must use the verb "to be" (am, is, are).

How to say it correctly: You have two natural options:

  1. The Short Way: Subject + be + Number. ("I am 30.")

  2. The Long Way: Subject + be + Number + "years old." ("I am 30 years old.")


Common Pitfall ⚠️

Never say "I am 30 years."

You must either stop at the number or add the words "years old."

  • ❌ "I am 30 years."

  • ✅ "I am 30."


Your Turn

Let's practice! How old are you?

Or, if you want to keep it a secret, how old is your favourite celebrity?

Tell me in the comments down below using "I am..." or "He/She is..."!


🎯 Want to Improve Faster?

If you enjoy these lessons and want to improve your English more quickly, you can book 1-to-1 lessons with me through my website.

 
 
 

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