a very old

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very old" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has existed for a long time or has significant age. Example: "The museum features a very old artifact that dates back to ancient civilizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A very old one.

The Economist

It's a very old family.

The New Yorker

"I'm a very old lady".

The New Yorker

"It's a very old building".

Independent

"That's a very old show".

The New Yorker

Water contamination is a very old problem.

The New Yorker

It is a very old hairball.

The Economist

They are a very old cheesemongers.

Independent

"Those raspberries are a very old variety.

The New York Times

A very old song.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He is a very old-­fashioned guy.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "a very old", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it simply about age, or does it also imply respect, tradition, or obsolescence? Choose a synonym if a more specific meaning is intended.

Common error

In formal writing, overuse of the phrase "a very old" can sound repetitive or simplistic. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "ancient", "venerable", or "long-standing" to enhance the tone and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very old" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically intensifying the adjective "old". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe something possessing significant age. This phrase precedes nouns to provide additional information about their age.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very old" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the age of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, although more formal writing might benefit from more nuanced alternatives such as "ancient" or "long-standing". While the phrase is widely accepted, writers should avoid overuse and consider the specific implications of age they wish to convey. Remember to always use "a" before "very old" and be mindful of the tone when choosing this phrase over more sophisticated synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aged

A simple and direct way to indicate old age.

ancient

Focuses on extreme age, often associated with historical significance.

long-standing

Emphasizes duration and establishment over time.

time-honored

Highlights the respect and tradition associated with age.

of considerable age

A more formal and descriptive way to express oldness.

venerable

Implies respect and admiration due to age and experience.

elderly

Specifically refers to people who are old.

antiquated

Suggests something is old and outdated.

well-aged

Often used to describe items like wine or cheese, indicating quality through aging.

archaic

Implies something is extremely old and no longer in common use.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a very old"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ancient", "long-standing", or "time-honored".

How can I use "a very old" in a sentence?

You can use "a very old" to describe something that has existed for a long time. For example: "That is a very old building." or "This is a very old tradition."

Is it correct to say "an very old" instead of "a very old"?

No, the correct article to use before "very old" is "a", not "an". The choice of "a" or "an" depends on the sound of the word immediately following the article. Since "very" begins with a consonant sound, "a" is the appropriate choice.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a very old"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the age of something. However, be mindful of the context. In formal writing, a more sophisticated synonym might be preferable.