Which statement best describes age-graded usage as evidence of language change?

• A. Age-graded usage refers to differences in language behavior across generations.
• B. Age-graded usage is a measure of the reader's age.
• C. Age-graded usage determines vocabulary size.
• D. Age-graded usage describes the rate of word formation.

Answer: (A)

Age-graded usage refers to differences in how language is used by different age groups within a community. This pattern provides evidence of language change because younger speakers often adopt new forms first, and these forms may become more widespread over time as generations influence one another. In other words, observing distinct usage across ages shows how linguistic habits shift across generations, signaling change in the language.

The other ideas misinterpret what age-graded usage measures: it isn’t about assessing a reader’s age, vocabulary size, or the rate at which new words are formed. They miss the key point that age-related differences in language use reflect ongoing change in the speech community.