As old as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as old as" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to make a comparison between two things, indicating that they are the same age. Example: "John and Sarah have been friends for as old as they can remember."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I'm as old as NATO.

The New York Times

Tale as old as time".

The New York Times

Persecution is as old as man.

The New York Times - Books

It's as old as time itself.

Independent

Tiling is as old as Midwestern farming.

The New York Times

A black Labrador as old as Methuselah.

Independent

The type is as old as Hollywood.

The New Yorker

Exorcism is as old as Christianity itself.

The New York Times

"It's as old as storytelling," Stephen intoned.

The New York Times - Magazine

Abortion is almost as old as childbirth.

The New Yorker

Age: As old as ice.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing ages, ensure that the comparison is logical and clear. For example, "This tree is as old as the town's founding" provides a meaningful point of reference.

Common error

Avoid using "as old as" when the comparison isn't about age. For instance, saying "This car is as old as it is fast" is illogical because speed isn't directly related to age. Keep the comparison relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as old as" functions as a comparative, primarily used to equate the age or duration of one subject to another. Ludwig examples show its widespread application in equating eras, concepts, or objects across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “as old as” is a common and versatile comparative used to equate the age or duration of two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. With a neutral register, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to informal conversations. When using “as old as”, ensure the comparison is logical and relevant to avoid misuse. Remember, Ludwig offers numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, making it a valuable tool for understanding and using this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Of comparable age

Emphasizes a similarity in age between two subjects but is more formal.

As long-lived as

Highlights the aspect of longevity.

Equally ancient

Implies a great age and a parity between them. More formal than the original phrase.

As venerable as

Indicates something deserving of respect due to its age, adding a value judgment.

The same vintage

Uses the metaphor of wine production, suitable for describing objects or people from the same era. Slightly more figurative.

Contemporary with

Highlights being in existence at the same period or time. More detached comparison.

Dating back as far as

Focuses on the origin and long duration, but rephrased to highlight the start point.

No younger than

Expresses minimum age without emphasizing comparison.

From the same era

Highlights that two subjects originate from the same historical period. Less direct comparison.

Of the same generation

Refers to individuals born around the same time.

FAQs

How do I use "as old as" in a sentence?

Use "as old as" to compare the age of two things. For example, "The tradition is "as old as the hills"" or "He is "as old as my father"".

What can I say instead of "as old as"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "of comparable age", "equally ancient", or "dating back as far as" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "as old as time itself"?

Yes, the expression "as old as time itself" is a common idiom used to emphasize that something is very old or has existed for a very long time. It's often used to describe things that are considered timeless or fundamental.

What is the difference between "as old as" and "older than"?

"As old as" indicates that two things are of the same age, while "older than" indicates that one thing is of a greater age than another. For example, "John is as old as Mary" means they are the same age, while "John is older than Mary" means John is of a greater age than Mary.