WHICH ONE IS RIGHT?

ANN   Fri May 12, 2006 3:10 pm GMT
She is Kate's elder sister./She is Kate's older sister.
Which sentence is right?What is the difference between elder and older?
Thanks !
D6110BH   Fri May 12, 2006 3:38 pm GMT
Both sentences are right!

So take your pick. In this case, "elder" and "older" are interchangeable.

Their difference lies in the range of their use. The forms "elder/eldest/elderly" have a fairly circumscribed meaning limited to invoking the age of one person relative to others.*

"Old/older/oldest" can be used more generally.

So you can say:

Kate's elder sister or Kate's older sister.

But note you cannot say:

The eldest house on the street.

* Hence "the village elder" or the "elder statesman."
ANN   Sat May 13, 2006 9:42 am GMT
Thank you.D6110BH!