In days gone by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In days gone by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a time in the past, often evoking nostalgia or reflection on earlier times. Example: "In days gone by, people relied more on face-to-face communication than on technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In days gone by, Ms Tang would simply have disappeared.

The Economist

In days gone by, recalcitrant servants were thrashed.

The Guardian - Opinion

In days gone by (a bit before my time) editors used to scribble on handwritten manuscripts.

Independent

In days gone by garlic was even used to help ward off the plague.

Independent

In days gone by, kings used to collect most of their revenue from land taxes.

The Economist

In days gone by such abuses would not have been exposed, let alone prosecuted, Bashary says.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In days gone by, hospitals wouldn't even let us in," Mr. Shumaker said.

The New York Times

In days gone by, some MPs were less assiduous in dealing with their constituency post.

The Guardian - Opinion

In days gone by, prison cooks were usually prison officers often with questionable food skills.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In days gone by there were some comforting certainties about Glasgow life.

The Guardian - Opinion

In days gone by, Bayern Munich's transfer dealings were very straightforward.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In days gone by" to introduce a contrast with current practices or situations, emphasizing how things have changed over time.

Common error

While evocative, relying too heavily on the phrase can make your writing sound antiquated. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In days gone by" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating when something occurred. Ludwig provides examples showing its role in contrasting past and present conditions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "In days gone by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that evokes a sense of nostalgia or highlights a contrast with the present. Ludwig confirms its wide acceptance and usability. It is frequently found in news articles, encyclopedias, and academic texts, but less so in formal business contexts. When writing, use it sparingly to avoid sounding antiquated and consider more neutral alternatives like "in the past" for formal contexts. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's effectiveness in setting a reflective or historical tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the past

A simple and direct way to denote a time before the present.

In earlier times

A straightforward way of indicating events that occurred in the past.

In former times

Focuses on a previous era or period, emphasizing a change from past to present.

In previous eras

Refers to past periods with an emphasis on historical or epochal context.

In the old days

A more informal way to refer to the past, often with a nostalgic connotation.

In bygone days

Highlights the past as being definitively over and often fondly remembered.

Back in the day

An idiomatic and casual expression for remembering a specific period, often youthful.

In yesteryear

Evokes a sense of nostalgia and a distant, romanticized past.

Once upon a time

Signifies the beginning of a narrative set in a distant and often fantastical past.

In antiquity

Specifically refers to the ancient past, often related to classical civilizations.

FAQs

How can I use "In days gone by" in a sentence?

Use "In days gone by" to contrast past practices or situations with the present, such as, "In days gone by, people relied more on letters than email."

What phrases are similar to "In days gone by"?

Alternatives include "in former times", "in the old days", or "back in the day". Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding the period and tone.

Is "In days gone by" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "In days gone by" leans towards a nostalgic or reflective tone. For formal contexts, consider using "in the past" or "previously" for a more neutral expression.

What's the difference between "In days gone by" and "In the past"?

"In the past" is a general reference to any time before now. "In days gone by" typically evokes a sense of nostalgia or a significant difference from the present.