Have I been making a big mistake using "oldest"

**alcush** · 19-Sep-2011, 02:15

I have two children. I have always referred to my child born first as my "oldest", and my child born second as my "youngest." My brother-in-law recently corrected me saying I should be using older and younger because there are only two kids. That makes a lot of sense, but my quite intelligent sister disagrees. Which is correct; older or oldest?

**5jj** · 19-Sep-2011, 02:30

Strictly speaking, 'older' or 'elder' and 'younger' are. correct.

**Raymott** · 19-Sep-2011, 02:31

Originally Posted by alcush

Which is correct; older or oldest?

Elder and younger.

**alcush** · 19-Sep-2011, 02:56

I am really upset that I have been wrong all this time. LOL! Man, that burns me! Well, I will never make that mistake again. Thanks!

**5jj** · 19-Sep-2011, 05:19

Originally Posted by alcush;801361[SIZE=2

][/SIZE]I am really upset that I have been wrong all this time. LOL! Man, that burns me! Well, I will never make that mistake again. Thanks!

Some native speakers make the same mistake. It's not serious.

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