Elderly or Elderlies: Which One Is Correct?
The use of the word elderly is a common point of confusion for English learners. This word serves mainly as an adjective but can also function as a noun under specific conditions. Getting this right is crucial because it's easy to confuse describing someone as old (the adjective use) with referring to elderly people as a group (the noun use). Let's clarify how to use elderly in both contexts correctly.
Elderly as an Adjective
In standard English, elderly is an adjective, which means it is used to describe a noun and tell us more about someone's age:
❌ I met an elderly at the park. (This sentence sounds off because elderly is missing a noun to modify.)
✅ I met an elderly man at the park. (This example correctly uses elderly as an adjective to describe man.)
The Elderly as a Plural Adjectival Noun
When combined with the definite article the, elderly transitions into a noun form, which is a common stumbling block:
❌ We should help elderly in need. (Here, elderly is used incorrectly because it is missing the definite article the in front of it.)
✅ We should help the elderly in need. (In this sentence, the elderly functions as a plural adjectival noun referring to old people as a group.)
Pluralising Elderly
In standard English, elderly, being an adjective, does not have a plural form. Although you may find elderly defined as a noun meaning 'an elderly person' in some dictionaries, with elderlies as its plural form, this usage is uncommon and widely considered incorrect or awkward by native speakers:
❌ We should offer our seats to elderlies.
✅ We should offer our seats to the elderly.
✅ We should offer our seats to elderly people.
Tips for Using Elderly Correctly and Naturally
To ensure you are using elderly correctly and naturally:
- Always use elderly with a relevant noun when using it as an adjective.
- Use the elderly when referring to old people collectively.
- Do not pluralise elderly; it is always the elderly when used as a plural noun.
More Example Sentences:
✅ An elderly woman in my neighborhood often shares fascinating stories from her youth.
✅ The team assists elderly residents with their daily routines.
✅ Local community centres offer a variety of programmes designed to enhance the well-being of the elderly.
✅ It's crucial to ensure that the elderly receive proper care during extreme weather conditions.
I hope this explanation helps clarify any confusion around the use of elderly. If you have found this post helpful, please feel free to support the blog by buying me a coffee or sharing this guide with others who are learning English.
Examples from the Media
Before hiring a contractor to start renovations or ordering grab bars in every finish imaginable, take a hard look at your finances. Do this with both a financial adviser and a qualified accountant. If you're helping an elderly person in your life with this task, ensure you're involving them in this process as appropriate. —Toronto Star (2025)
Police are hunting a man who allegedly sexually assaulted an elderly woman after offering to help carry her shopping and forcing his way into her home in Sydney's west. —The Age (2025)
Look at a global infection map, and a clear picture emerges. It is the West in particular, with its high proportion of elderly citizens and disproportionately lavish lifestyle, that has suffered the highest death rates. —Daily Mail (2020)
The number of Americans age 65 or older increased tenfold in the last century and the elderly are living longer, in more comfort and in better health than ever before, researchers report. —CBS News (2000)
For many, a residential care facility is their final home – but as the number of elderly New Zealanders increases, will there be enough beds to meet demand? —Otago Daily Times (2019)
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