a former age

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a former age" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previous time period, often in a historical or reflective context. Example: "The values and traditions of a former age often seem distant in today's fast-paced world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

He it is who has chosen to simulate the mannered ampleness of a former age.

The New York Times - Books

And it sounds like no one else: a throwback to a former age, but entirely modern at the same time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Overheard conversation: "Does that Chelsea boot date from the late 50s or, would you say, early 60s?" There are, though, some unmediated remnants of a former age.

The Guardian

Artworks such as Laura Oldfield Ford's Ferrier Estate picture them as decayed and dilapidated remnants of a former age now taken over by the creative class.

The Guardian

Two years ago, he gave us his epic-length, made-for-TV Lil' Quinquin – now he has Slack Bay, about grandly wealthy French families of a former age holidaying in northern France and discovering the exotically grisly locals.

The Guardian - Film

Aquiline-featured, with a dry sense of humour, he seemed to impressionable teenage followers of events such as myself to be more like a matinée idol from a former age than a politician.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He is also a former age-group division winner, but he was disappointed when he didn't receive an invitation to the elite starting area.

Los Angeles Times

"They throw the ball a lot at an early age," said a former NFL quarterback who now is a front office employee.

Huffington Post

Taught by his parents Keith and Judy Clifton from an early age, former World Champions themselves, Kevin went on to win International Open titles all over the world.

BBC

From an early age, former Cuban President Fidel Castro immersed his son in two things: baseball and politics.

Los Angeles Times

Characterizing the political economic cycles of production and consumption as one of "Nature's beautiful adaptations," he announced that human happiness must "necessarily continue to increase because the main conditions on which life and health depend have experienced, during the whole of the present century, an expansion and improvement, on which no former age presents a parallel".

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a former age" when you want to emphasize the contrast between past and present values or conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "a former age" in contexts that are only a few years in the past; it is more appropriate for historical or significantly different periods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a former age" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains and as shown in examples, it is used to denote a period in the past.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a former age" is a noun phrase used to refer to a time in the past, often contrasted with the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and academic contexts. When using "a former age", it's best to consider alternatives like "a bygone era" or "times gone by" to fine-tune the intended meaning and tone. Be mindful of overuse, particularly when discussing relatively recent events, as this phrase typically suggests a more distant historical period. Understanding these nuances will ensure you effectively communicate the intended temporal context in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bygone era

Emphasizes that the age is past and often fondly remembered.

a previous era

Directly indicates an era that came before the present one.

a past epoch

Uses more formal language to refer to a distinct period in history.

times gone by

Suggests a more general sense of the past, often with a nostalgic tone.

days of old

Evokes a sense of tradition and history.

an earlier time

A simpler and more general way to refer to a time in the past.

the old days

Informal way to talk about the past, usually with personal or familiar context.

historical period

Refers specifically to a period recognized within historical study.

ancient times

Implies a very distant past, often associated with classical civilizations.

yesteryear

Suggests a recent but past time, typically with a sentimental feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "a former age" in a sentence?

You can use "a former age" to describe customs or beliefs that were common in the past but are no longer prevalent today. For example, "The social norms of "a former age" often differ significantly from those of the present."

What's the difference between "a former age" and "a bygone era"?

"A former age" is a more general term for a past period, while "a bygone era" often carries a connotation of nostalgia or something that is irretrievably lost.

What can I say instead of "a former age"?

You can use alternatives like "a previous era", "times gone by", or "the old days" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a former age" when referring to something that happened 20 years ago?

While technically correct, using "a former age" for something that happened 20 years ago might sound overly dramatic. It's better suited for periods significantly further in the past. Terms like "an earlier time" or "the past" may be more appropriate.