age-old truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "age-old truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a truth or belief that has been recognized and accepted for a very long time, often passed down through generations. Example: "The age-old truth that hard work leads to success is something we should all remember."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

IT'S an age-old truth — albeit one scientifically untested — that shopping builds hunger.

The New York Times - Travel

This is an age-old truth but also an increasingly challenging and pertinent one given the central position of medical leadership within the 21st-century NHS.

The Guardian

Instead, "The Summit" simply accepts the age-old truth that if there is a mountain on the planet, someone will try to reach the top of it.

The New York Times

What she also came to understand was that age-old truth so many of us fight against, but all have to eventually accept: we cannot change others – only ourselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a wish-fulfilment comedy about idealism, aspiration and getting off with girls, riffing on that age-old truth that being in a band might just give you the cachet that will make up for a lack of money and looks.

The Guardian - Film

What we said: A wish-fulfilment comedy about idealism, aspiration and getting off with girls, riffing on that age-old truth that being in a band might just give you the cachet that will make up for a lack of money and looks.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But war will continue to follow its important age-old truths.

The New York Times

As the data came in, ugly, age-old truths were revealed.

The New York Times

The best way to guard against a new version of wishful thinking is to understand three age-old truths about war and how our experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq validated their importance.

The New York Times

It rests on an age-old half-truth, the kind the clever strongman Cleon told to the Athenian assembly as he proposed mass slaughter of the traitorous Mytilenes in Thucydides' account of the Peloponnesian War.

Huffington Post

His unabashed use of digital manipulation forced into debate a new version of the age-old question of truth in photography, a discussion that began as early as the 1860s when it became apparent that the truth-recording capabilities of the camera could be manipulated, thereby distorting reality and eroding the viewer's trust.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "age-old truth" to add weight and authority to a statement by suggesting it's been recognized across generations. It's particularly effective when discussing enduring human experiences or philosophical concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "age-old truth" excessively, as it can make your writing sound cliché. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "time-honored truth" or "ancient wisdom" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "age-old truth" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective phrase. The adjective "age-old" serves to emphasize the long-standing and widely accepted nature of the following noun, "truth". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "age-old truth" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable phrase that communicates the longstanding validity of a concept. Though suitable for diverse contexts, its usage is more prevalent within News & Media, highlighting its function in conveying established perspectives. The linguistic analysis indicates a neutral register and the phrase's intent to invoke authority. While deemed correct by Ludwig AI, overusing the phrase should be avoided to preserve its impact. Related phrases such as "time-honored truth" offer viable alternatives. Be sure to thoughtfully integrate "age-old truth" or any of its related terms to enhance writing effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time-honored truth

Replaces "age-old" with "time-honored", emphasizing the respect and reverence associated with the truth.

perennial truth

Uses "perennial" to denote a truth that recurs or lasts for an indefinitely long time.

ancient wisdom

Replaces "truth" with "wisdom", shifting the focus to the accumulated knowledge.

long-standing principle

Substitutes "age-old" with "long-standing" and "truth" with "principle", framing it as a fundamental belief.

traditional wisdom

Focuses on the transmission of wisdom through generations.

eternal verity

Replaces both words to convey a sense of timeless and absolute truth.

established fact

Emphasizes the well-known and accepted nature of the truth.

historical fact

Highlights the factual nature of the age-old truth, grounding it in history.

enduring axiom

Replaces both words to impart the sense of a self-evident truth that has lasted through time.

deep-rooted belief

Focuses on how the truth is ingrained in people's minds over time.

FAQs

What does "age-old truth" mean?

An "age-old truth" refers to a truth or principle that has been recognized and accepted for a very long time, often across generations. It signifies something that is considered universally valid due to its long-standing presence in human experience.

How can I use "age-old truth" in a sentence?

You can use "age-old truth" to emphasize the enduring nature of a statement. For example: "It's an "age-old truth" that hard work leads to success." or "The "age-old truth" about human nature is that people are motivated by both self-interest and altruism."

What can I say instead of "age-old truth"?

You can use alternatives like "time-honored truth", "ancient wisdom", or "long-standing principle" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "age-old truth" a cliché?

While "age-old truth" is a recognizable phrase, it can become a cliché if overused. It's important to use it sparingly and consider alternatives if it doesn't add significant value to your writing. Using diverse vocabulary can make your writing more engaging.