a far older

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a far older" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the age of two or more things, emphasizing that one is significantly older than the other. Example: "This artifact is a far older example of ancient pottery than the one we found last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Marclay has created a cinema-clock, while Fischer has exploited a far older way to show time passing.

The Guardian - Arts

Recent DNA analysis has shown that polar bears are a far older species than was thought even a few years ago, and they clearly are adaptable and resilient.

The New York Times

Using the sun's heat to warm or evaporate water is a far older form of gathering solar energy than using photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity.

The Economist

But some of the most intense political battles in small-town Texas are fought on a far older division: wet versus dry.

The New York Times

Yet recent research points to a far older origin for the site – and to a web of connections linking Vilcabamba with its European and indigenous neighbours.

The Guardian

Scientists have uncovered a far older creature that also had a rough time of it: a dinosaur with a brain tumor that apparently affected its balance.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

This is not as effective at representing evolutionary relationships among the taxa, but is rather most useful for representing taxonomy as a way of categorizing groups within groups, a practice far older than Darwin.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Their religion was -- and surreptitiously still is -- a combination of Tibetan Lamaism, Chinese Taoism and a far, far older shamanistic belief: in the spirits of cloud and wind and pine.

The New York Times

The rising superpower had just seized a colony far older than any English settlement on the North American mainland.

The Economist

I marvel that this fish belongs to a species far older than the landscape – the Norfolk Broads were created by medieval peat diggings.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Alternative theorists argued that the area showed evidence of a civilization far older than that of ancient Egypt, one with roots elsewhere on the planet, or on some other planet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a far older" when you want to emphasize a significant difference in age or origin between two subjects. This phrasing is particularly effective in historical, scientific, or comparative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a far older" when comparing things that aren't related to age or time. For instance, don't say "a far older problem" if you mean "a much bigger problem". Stick to age and historical contexts for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a far older" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that it is significantly more aged than another item being considered. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a far older" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase that serves to emphasize a substantial age difference between two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content, with a neutral register that makes it accessible and impactful. While alternatives like "much older" or "significantly older" exist, "a far older" carries a distinct emphasis that can enhance clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly more ancient

Emphasizes the notable difference in age using different vocabulary.

considerably more aged

Uses an alternative term for 'old' and intensifies the comparison.

substantially earlier

Focuses on the point in time rather than duration, still indicating a significant age difference.

much more historic

Highlights the historical significance related to age, implying importance due to its age.

appreciably more venerable

Adds a sense of respect and honor associated with advanced age.

markedly earlier in time

Highlights that something occurred at a distinctly earlier time than something else.

noticeably senior

Implies a greater level of seniority and age.

distinctly antecedent

Focuses on precedence and coming before in time.

demonstrably previous

Focuses on the fact that something happened or existed previously.

measurably earlier vintage

This refers to the origin of the thing in terms of wine. However, the context can be used more generally.

FAQs

How can I use "a far older" in a sentence?

You can use "a far older" to emphasize that something is significantly older than something else. For example, "The ancient civilization had "a far older" culture than previously believed".

What's a good alternative to "a far older"?

Alternatives include "much older", "significantly older", or "considerably older". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "a far older" or "much older"?

Both "a far older" and "much older" are grammatically correct. "A far older" adds a bit more emphasis to the age difference.

When is it appropriate to use "a far older" instead of just "older"?

Use "a far older" when you want to highlight a substantial difference in age. Simply using "older" may not convey the significant disparity you intend to express.