|
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 !
|
|
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."
|
