a past epoch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a past epoch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific period in history or time that has already occurred. Example: "The artifacts discovered in the excavation provide valuable insights into a past epoch of human civilization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is not easy to thrust yourself into the thinking of a past epoch.

The New York Times

Mr. Aziz, however, styles himself as a defender of democracy who staged a coup only to prevent the country from reverting to a past epoch of repressive rule, which he helped end with an earlier coup in 2005.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Iron Lady was an unforgettable personality of the past epoch of the cold war.

The Guardian

Understanding the climate of past epochs is essential for a scientist who wants to predict whether a repository site will one day be covered by a new glacier, change from desert to tropical rain forest or undergo a variety of other transformations that seem plausible over tens of thousands of years.

The New York Times

A conceptual scheme for reconstructing natural situations of past epochs is suggested.

Geography and Natural Resources

The club's name, Evocación, evokes a yearning for the past, for the music from past epochs.

The Guardian - Travel

Once the handwriting styles of past epochs become familiar, anything written by a professional scribe should be legible, but one can expect the wildest variations of spelling and handwriting in personal documents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During the ball you can hear the music that was played in past epochs, and experience this lost culture.

The New York Times - Style

Past epochs never vanish completely, and blood still drips from all their wounds, even the most ancient.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The region shows the extraordinary military-mindedness of past epochs, with entire communities surrounded by walls and garrisons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the renowned Mexican poet and intellectual Octavio Paz observed, Past epochs never vanish completely, and blood still drips from all their wounds, even the most ancient.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a past epoch", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific period being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Use it to evoke a sense of history or change over time.

Common error

Avoid using "a past epoch" when referring to recent events. This phrase implies a significant historical distance, so it is not appropriate for describing recent decades or short-lived trends.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a past epoch" functions as a noun phrase, with "past" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "epoch". According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, referring to a specific period in history.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a past epoch" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that refers to a distinct period in history. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for descriptive writing and provides a valuable tool for categorizing and understanding time. While relatively rare in overall usage, it is commonly found in news media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the historical context is clear and that it accurately reflects the period being described. Consider alternatives like "a bygone era" or "a previous age" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bygone era

Focuses on a time that has passed, emphasizing its distance from the present.

a previous age

Highlights the concept of an earlier time, without specific emotional connotations.

a former period

Emphasizes the sequential aspect, indicating something that occurred before the current time.

a historical time

Broadly references a time in the past that is considered part of history.

an earlier stage

Suggests a point in the past within a sequence of development or progress.

a distant past

Emphasizes the remoteness of the time being referred to.

a long-ago time

Informally denotes a time far in the past.

a remote era

Stresses the farness and often obscurity of the past time.

a forgotten age

Highlights the potential obscurity or lack of remembrance of the past.

a time long gone

Poetically describes a past period that is no longer present.

FAQs

How can I use "a past epoch" in a sentence?

You can use "a past epoch" to refer to a distinct period in history, like "The architecture reflects the styles of "a past epoch"".

What phrases are similar to "a past epoch"?

Similar phrases include "a bygone era", "a previous age", or "a former period", all suggesting a time that has passed.

Is "a past epoch" formal or informal?

"A past epoch" leans towards formal usage, suitable for academic, historical, or literary contexts. Consider "olden days" for a more informal tone.

How does "a past epoch" differ from "the past"?

"A past epoch" refers to a specific, defined period in history, while "the past" is a more general term encompassing all time before the present. Using "a past epoch" implies a structured understanding of history.