Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[sejpdw]

" I think I would be a more relaxed person today and worry less if I hadn't been an eldest child."

I've read this sentence in a book. Why not 'the eldest child' but 'an eldest child' ?

I've read these sentences, too.
"Tom is the eldest of their three children."
"I was aware of my position as the eldest."

What 's the difference from those two cases?

[Anuradha Chepur]

"But first children also experience being �de-throned� when younger siblings come along. Some see this as the defining factor in an eldest child�s life � losing that status and doing what it takes to get it back, by aligning with parents or other authorities. That may be why firstborns also tend to be emotionally intense and driven, according to birth-order theorists."

This is quoted from an article on birth order.

I think 'the eldest'efers to one's position with respect to his/her siblings.

'an eldest' could optionally be used while talking about the general concept of being the first born.

[CP]

If I may add a comment:

In the U.S.A., we also use elder, eldest, and elderly to apply to other than siblings.

An elderly relative or neighbor is someone of advanced age who is related or who lives nearby. (It looks like an adverb, but elderly is an adjective.) The eldest member of a group is the oldest member, but eldest sounds a little better, more respectful. An elder partner in a firm would be one with more seniority or experience, and probably more age. A branch of the law concerning senior citizens (i.e., the elderly) and their rights is known as elder law.

Yours truly, CP

[Anuradha Chepur]

I fully agree with CP and what he said is true of India too.

My explanation was limited to the three sentences provided by sejpdw.

[CP]

Thank you, Dr. Chepur. It is always interesting to hear similarities and differences in English as spoken in India and elsewhere, compared to my country.

Yours truly, CP

[Anuradha Chepur]

You are welcome CP. Even I find it very interesting to know more about the language which is not only my bread and butter but also my fascination.