ages

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ages" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a long period of time. For example, "It has been ages since I last saw him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He offers coaching for all ages and all levels of ability.

The Guardian - Sport

He remembers it: "Even though they knew you and were aware of your training, it took ages to persuade them".

The Guardian

These men have the wisdom of ages of Labour struggles against low pay, workplace intimidation and the evils of Thatcherism.

The Guardian - Opinion

I've stabbed, punched, eaten people, blown them up in films for ages.

The Guardian - Film

The first is that while the few score of Tea Party supporters are all white and mostly middle aged, the hundreds of supporters of the president's healthcare reforms represent a much greater diversity of ethnicities and ages.

The Guardian

It most commonly affects women aged over 50, but can occur in women of all ages.

The Guardian

A perfect balance of textures for a serious sugar-hit – great for making with kids and beloved by people of all ages.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perhaps Amalfi was just too small and congested even in the middle ages.

The Guardian - Travel

Using the work of French artist Invader – who creates coloured mosaics inspired by the classic Space Invaders game – to distract the kids, this is a fun, family tour that should keep all ages entertained.

The Guardian - Travel

From bubonic plague in the middle ages to bird flu or Sars in the 21st century, infectious diseases have spread horrifyingly fast in cities, where people live in close proximity and sometimes crowded together.

The Guardian

Indigenous Australians between the ages of 35 and 54 are up to eight times more likely to die than their peers, with alcohol abuse the main culprit, South Australian research has shown.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ages" to refer to extended periods or diverse life stages. For historical contexts, consider using more specific terms like "eras" or "periods" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "ages" when referring to very specific historical periods. For instance, instead of saying "during the ages of the Roman Empire", specify "during the Roman Empire".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ages" is as a plural noun. It refers to extended periods of time or different stages in life. As Ludwig AI explains, this term is correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

20%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Sport

10%

Opinion

10%

Film

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "ages" functions as a plural noun, commonly used to denote extended periods or different stages of life. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its neutral register makes it suitable across various contexts, including news, lifestyle, and travel. While versatile, using more specific terms may enhance clarity in historical or technical discussions. The related phrases offer alternative expressions for duration and time. With a high expert rating and frequent usage, "ages" remains a reliable and effective term in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a long time

Replaces "ages" to emphasize the duration of time.

for years and years

Emphasizes the extended length of time using repetition.

a considerable period

Offers a more formal alternative to "ages", indicating a significant duration.

a prolonged duration

Similar to "a long time" but with a more formal tone.

many years

Focuses on the quantity of years involved.

over an extended period

Indicates a drawn-out timeframe, suitable for formal contexts.

historical eras

Specifically refers to distinct periods in history.

stages of life

Emphasizes the different phases in a person's existence.

generations

Refers to spans of time marked by successive family lineages.

throughout history

Places events or developments within the broader context of recorded human events.

FAQs

How can I use "ages" in a sentence?

"Ages" can refer to a long period of time or different stages of life. For example, "It has been "a long time" since we last met", or "The program caters to people of all ages".

What's a good substitute for "ages" when talking about history?

Consider using more specific terms like "historical periods", "eras", or "epochs" to provide more context.

Is it correct to say "for ages"?

Yes, the phrase "for ages" is a common idiom meaning for a very long time. For instance, "I haven't seen him "for a long time"".

What's the difference between "ages" and "eras"?

"Ages" generally refers to extended periods without specific boundaries, while "eras" typically denote distinct periods with recognized characteristics or starting and ending points.