Learn English – “When I get older” or “When I am older”

word-choice

I was discussing how to use "When I am older" with a friend who speaks English as her second language. She asked me if it would be more correct to write "When I get older".

I said that both would be correct and she asked which would be more correct…

Could anyone be able to answer this?

Thanks.

Best Answer

When I am older...

When the verb is be, older is a simple comparative to describe a greater age relative to the speaker's present age. It does not necessarily have any overtones regarding the state of old age.

When I get older...

When the verb is get, older is a description of a future state- one where the speaker is showing the signs of age. In relation to a person, that's grey hair, everything heading south, etc.