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English/grammatical question!
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mrswask
Pookie Love
Member since 5/05 20229 total posts
Name:
Michal
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English/grammatical question!
In writing, do I write "she is the eldest of five children" or "the oldest of five children?"
Muchos gracias!
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Posted 11/12/06 7:34 PM  |
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luvsbob4603
To a healthy 2013
Member since 5/05 21840 total posts
Name:
To a brand new year to a healthier me
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Re: English/grammatical question!
"The oldest of 5 children"
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| Posted 11/12/06 7:36 PM |
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Emily
Kasey & Me! Lurves it!
Member since 7/06 8703 total posts
Name:
STBHC
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Re: English/grammatical question!
That is tough, I think it depends on what it is for. For a bio (in a pamphlet or website) it is eldest. For other purposes one of the teachers on here can help. 
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| Posted 11/12/06 7:51 PM |
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leighla
Support Cancer Research
Member since 5/05 16353 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: English/grammatical question!
From bartleby.com:
Usually elder and eldest are used only of people, as in "She’s my elder sister", whereas older and oldest can be used of either persons or things, as in "She’s my older sister" and "These are my oldest clothes."
When used with than, older is almost always the choice: She is two years older than I.
With of, either older or elder, oldest or eldest will do: "She’s the oldest [eldest, older, elder] of my children."
Functional shift has given us elder and eldest as nouns as well: "Be respectful to your elders." "He is an elder in his church." "She is our eldest."
So I think you can use either.
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| Posted 11/12/06 7:54 PM |
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mrswask
Pookie Love
Member since 5/05 20229 total posts
Name:
Michal
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Re: English/grammatical question!
Thanks ladies!
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| Posted 11/12/06 8:29 PM |
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