age-old question

USAGE SUMMARY

'age-old question' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a question that has been debated for a long time. For example, "What is the meaning of life? This is an age-old question that has been pondered since the beginning of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An age-old question.

The New York Times

It is an age-old question.

Harvard Business Review

It's not an age-old question.

The New York Times - Sports

The age-old question — upright or canister?

The New York Times

And what about the age-old question?

The Guardian

That age-old question still has no simple answer.

Harvard Business Review

Plus the age-old question of what killed Cleopatra.

The New York Times - Arts

The Dyson Hot space heater answers an age-old question.

The New York Times

jblee The age-old question for New Yorkers..

The New York Times

And it certainly settles one age-old question.

The New York Times - Food

But it's really this age-old question of the digital divide, right?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "age-old question" when referring to questions that have been pondered and discussed across generations or throughout history to emphasize their enduring nature and complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "age-old question" for relatively recent or niche debates. The phrase implies a broad, historical context; using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "age-old question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a question that has been pondered over a significant period, often implying complexity and a lack of definitive resolution. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "age-old question" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe questions that have been pondered for a long time, often across generations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, signifying its widespread relevance. When using this phrase, ensure that the question truly has a historical and enduring nature. Alternatives like "long-standing question" or "perennial question" can offer subtle variations in meaning and formality. Its consistent usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-standing question

Replaces 'age-old' with 'long-standing', emphasizing the duration of the question's existence.

perennial question

Uses 'perennial' to highlight the recurring nature of the question.

enduring question

Substitutes 'age-old' with 'enduring', focusing on the question's lasting relevance.

historical question

Replaces 'age-old' with 'historical', putting emphasis on its deep historical roots.

time-honored question

Emphasizes the respect and tradition associated with the question.

classic question

Highlights the timeless and fundamental nature of the question.

traditional question

Focuses on the question's rootedness in tradition and established thought.

long-debated question

Directly emphasizes the extensive debate surrounding the question.

oft-repeated question

Highlights that the question is asked frequently.

eternal question

Suggests the question is not only old but also potentially unanswerable and always relevant.

FAQs

How to use "age-old question" in a sentence?

You can use "age-old question" to describe a question that has been asked and debated for a very long time. For example: "The "age-old question of nature vs nurture" continues to be debated by scientists and philosophers."

What's a more formal synonym for "age-old question"?

More formal synonyms include "long-standing question" or "perennial question", which may be more suitable in academic or professional contexts.

Is "age-old question" appropriate for any topic?

While versatile, "age-old question" is best suited for topics with a clear historical context and ongoing relevance. Avoid using it for questions that are newly emerging or highly specific.

What is the difference between "age-old question" and "common question"?

"Age-old question" emphasizes the long history and enduring nature of the question, while "common question" simply indicates that the question is frequently asked, without necessarily implying historical significance.