ages to come

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ages to come" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to future time periods or generations, often in a context discussing long-term consequences or expectations. Example: "The impact of our actions today will be felt for ages to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

He was simply a genius who created a whole world for ages to come.

The Guardian - Books

It took me ages to come out because of all the comments and jokes.

The Guardian

Released in October 1983 but not a hit until January 1984, it took ages to come.

The Guardian - Music

The light at Lascaux was "as it would be for ages to come: light, its limits, and then the dark".

The New York Times - Science

"For many young people their sexuality is something that it takes them ages to come to terms with.

The Guardian

It took me ages to come out and tell everybody, but life is a lot easier for me now".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The same is true with regard to the locus of the "world (or age) to come".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those cases that have made it as far as court have taken an age to come to a conclusion.

Independent

Mr. Wilson introduces three other performers into his lovers' orbit — Louis Beyler, Rachel Eberhart and Benoît Maréchal — who seem to be vestigial figures of youth past and old age to come.

The New York Times

In the age to come, he suggests, young men must find a way to achieve manhood without the shedding of blood.

The Guardian - Film

"If he runs in the top four it would be an astonishing result for a horse of his age to come to this country six times," Dunlop said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the long-term impact of current events or decisions, use "ages to come" to emphasize the enduring consequences for future generations.

Common error

Avoid using "ages to come" too frequently in your writing. While it's a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or overly dramatic. Vary your language by using synonyms like "future generations" or "years ahead".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ages to come" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically following a noun or verb to indicate a future time period of significant duration. Ludwig examples confirm its role in highlighting lasting impact or consequences. It describes the length of time something will endure or be remembered.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

The New Yorker

5%

Vice

5%

The Guardian

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ages to come" is a correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that refers to a distant point in the future. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe impacts, consequences, or legacies that are expected to last for a very long time, often across generations. While broadly applicable, it's crucial to use this phrase thoughtfully, balancing the gravitas of the phrase with the context, and avoiding overuse for a more natural writing style. Ludwig's examples show that "ages to come" is used in a wide range of contexts, but appears most frequently in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

times to come

Uses "times" instead of "ages" offering similar meaning but a slight variation in expression.

future generations

Focuses specifically on people in the future, rather than a more general period of time.

the coming years

Highlights the future period measured in years.

years ahead

A more concise way to refer to the future, with a shorter time horizon implied.

distant future

Emphasizes how far away the future is.

in posterity

Focuses on how future generations will remember or regard something.

subsequent eras

More formal and academic, referring to distinct periods in history or future development.

the unfolding future

Emphasizes the continuous and developing nature of the future.

days ahead

Implies a shorter timeframe than "ages to come", often used for more immediate futures.

the time ahead

A broader, less specific way to refer to the future.

FAQs

How can I use "ages to come" in a sentence?

You can use "ages to come" to describe events, ideas or creations that will have a lasting impact. For example, "This discovery will affect medicine for "ages to come"".

What can I say instead of "ages to come"?

You can use alternatives like "future generations", "years ahead", or "times to come" depending on the context.

Is "ages to come" formal or informal?

"Ages to come" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in formal writing or when emphasizing the long-term impact of something. Alternatives like "future generations" or "years ahead" might be more appropriate for informal settings.

What's the difference between "ages to come" and "years to come"?

"Ages to come" suggests a much longer period than "years to come". While "years to come" implies a foreseeable future, ""ages to come"" suggests a future spanning generations or even eras.