among the oldest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "among the oldest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is part of a group that is very old or has existed for a long time. Example: "The pyramids of Giza are among the oldest structures still standing today."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is among the oldest intellectual disciplines.

Stanford University

Hindus are clearly among the oldest inhabitants of Afghanistan.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are among the oldest men to seek the presidency.

The New York Times

"Prank calls are among the oldest tricks in radio.

The Guardian

Theirs are among the oldest tourist stops on the island.

The New York Times - Travel

They are among the oldest works at the fair.

The New York Times - Arts

Among the oldest of these are the gneisses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Songbooks dating to the 1830s are among the oldest items.

The New York Times - Arts

Fossil springtails are among the oldest insect fossils known.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sassanid era arches are among the oldest arches in Persian architecture.

Structures

These plantations are among the oldest native tree plantations of the Brazilian Amazon.

Forest Ecology and Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "among the oldest", ensure that the context clearly establishes the group to which the subject belongs. For example, specify "among the oldest buildings in the city" rather than simply "among the oldest".

Common error

Avoid using "among the oldest" without providing a specific frame of reference. Saying something is "among the oldest" without context leaves the statement vague and uninformative. Always specify what the subject is oldest of.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "among the oldest" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or noun phrase. It indicates that the modified element is included within a group notable for its age. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this in contexts ranging from historical artifacts to biological entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "among the oldest" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote that something is part of a group distinguished by its age. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is correct and frequent across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific, news-related, and academic domains. While it maintains a neutral register, clarity is key; providing a specific frame of reference is crucial to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "one of the oldest" or "part of the earliest" can offer subtle variations in emphasis, making "among the oldest" a valuable tool for precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of the most ancient

Emphasizes the extreme age of something, implying it's a single entity from a larger very old group.

part of the earliest

Highlights being a component of something that originated long ago, focusing on the beginning of existence.

included in the most senior

Implies membership within a set of entities recognized for their age and experience.

within the most historic

Suggests belonging to a collection known for its historical significance and age.

considered among the most aged

Highlights the act of being regarded as very old, focusing on perception.

ranked among the most venerable

Conveys a sense of respect and honor due to age, indicating high esteem.

listed among the most time-honored

Emphasizes tradition and long-standing practice, suggesting something valued across time.

counted among the primeval

Suggests a connection to the earliest stages of existence or development.

reckoned among the antique

Highlights the antiquated and historical nature of something, implying age and rarity.

numbered among the long-lived

Focuses on the duration of existence, suggesting a prolonged lifespan or history.

FAQs

How can I use "among the oldest" in a sentence?

Use "among the oldest" to indicate that something is part of a group recognized for its age. For example, "These manuscripts are "among the oldest documents" in the library".

What are some alternatives to saying "among the oldest"?

Alternatives include "one of the oldest", "part of the earliest", or "included in the most senior" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "among the oldest ever"?

While grammatically possible, "among the oldest ever" can be redundant. It's often clearer to simply say "among the oldest" as the "ever" is often implied.

What's the difference between "among the oldest" and "one of the oldest"?

"Among the oldest" implies membership in a group of very old things, while "one of the oldest" emphasizes that the subject is a single entity within that group. The distinction is subtle but can affect the emphasis.