Word order · CEFR A1
“I have 20 years” or “I am 20 years old”?
Incorrect
I have 20 years
Correct
I am 20 (years old)
In English, use be for age: “I’m 20” or “I’m 20 years old”. “I have 20 years” is incorrect. Ask “How old are you?”
The rule
be + number: I’m 30. She’s 8.
be + number + years old: “He’s 45 years old.” Do not say “years” without “old”: not “I’m 20 years”.
As an adjective before a noun, use hyphens and singular year: “a 20-year-old student”.
Examples
✗ I have 25 years.
✓ I’m 25.
✗ My son has 6 years old.
✓ My son is 6 years old.
✗ How many years do you have?
✓ How old are you?
Why learners make this mistake
Spanish tengo 20 años, French j’ai 20 ans, Portuguese tenho 20 anos and Italian ho 20 anni all use “have”.
Remember
You ARE your age: I’m 20, not I have 20.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I say just “I’m 20 years”?
- No. Say “I’m 20” or “I’m 20 years old”.
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