In past times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In past times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a period in history or earlier eras when discussing events, customs, or lifestyles. Example: "In past times, people relied heavily on agriculture for their livelihood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"In past times, stations like this tried to be all things to all people," he said.

The New York Times

In past times, a mourning wardrobe was de rigueur for the fashionable bereaved.

The New York Times

In past times politics was addressed with a precision and wit we have lost.

The Guardian - Opinion

In past times of falling demand, De Beers used to stockpile its gems to keep prices up.

The Economist

In past times, people sometimes thought that all sounds that ever existed were still present, hovering like ghosts.

The New Yorker

"In past times, we'd either be widowed or dead by now or stay married to the guy," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

A leitmotif in "Past Time" is the slow pace at which the baseball industry adapts to change.

The New York Times - Books

Usually, the methods in past time to control vibration were mainly designed by using mathematical models, which must be nearly close to the actual plant models.

Applied Acoustics

It seems to presuppose that we select an infinitely distant point in past time, and then reckon the number of years that have elapsed since then.

SEP

Because this is what we want from Poirot: expert, faintly condescending crime solving wrapped in past-times luxury and topped off with a surprise that isn't really a surprise.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was also beautifully shot, like a horror film set in a Past Times catalogue.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in past times" to introduce a contrast with the present, highlighting changes or differences over time. This helps to emphasize how things have evolved.

Common error

Avoid overusing "in past times" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise historical references or specific time periods to maintain clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in past times" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action or state occurred. As shown by Ludwig, it sets a temporal context, indicating that something happened at some previous period.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in past times" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for referring to previous eras. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, serving to provide a historical backdrop and contrast with the present. While it is generally considered neutral in register, it may be beneficial to use more precise historical language in highly formal writing. Alternatives include "in former times" or "in bygone days". The key is to use the phrase to effectively highlight changes and developments over time, avoiding overuse in contexts that require greater specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the past

A more general way to refer to what has happened before now.

In former times

Replaces "past" with "former", slightly more formal.

In earlier times

A simpler, more direct synonym.

In bygone days

Emphasizes a sense of nostalgia or the irretrievability of the past.

In previous eras

Highlights specific periods in history.

In days of old

Evokes a more archaic or romanticized view of the past.

In olden days

Similar to "days of old" but slightly less archaic.

In ancient days

Specifically refers to very distant history.

Historically

An adverbial form emphasizing a historical perspective.

Once upon a time

Used to introduce a story that happened in the past

FAQs

How can I use "In past times" in a sentence?

You can use "in past times" to refer to a period in history or earlier eras when discussing events, customs, or lifestyles. For example: "In past times, people relied heavily on agriculture for their livelihood."

What are some alternatives to "In past times"?

Alternatives include "in former times", "in bygone days", or "in earlier times". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "In past times" formal or informal?

"In past times" is generally considered neutral. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but more precise language is often preferable in academic or highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "In past times" and "In the past"?

"In the past" is a broader term referring to anything that has already happened. "In past times" tends to evoke a more specific era or historical period, often implying a contrast with the present.