an age-old question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an age-old question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a question that has been asked for a very long time and is often considered timeless or universal. Example: "The debate over whether nature or nurture plays a larger role in human development is truly an age-old question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is an age-old question.

The Guardian - Books

It's not an age-old question.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New York Times

From one womb came conflicting answers to an age-old question: lunatic or sweetheart?

The New York Times - Sports

"We are close to answering an age-old question," he concluded.

The New York Times - Science

P13 The readers' editor on minority reporting and an age-old question of the right language.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

It's an age old question that I don't have an answer to.

Independent

How VCs allocate their time is an age old question and the source of much curiosity.

TechCrunch

If it does, it will help answer an age old question in Hollywood: Is it marketing and advertising muscle that creates the hits or is it the creative juice?

Forbes

The new movie Hysteria answers an age old question, what do women want most?

Huffington Post

"Drones," he says, "have offered us a new technology but an age old question.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an age-old question" to frame a problem or introduce a discussion. It's effective for topics where the central question remains unanswered despite extensive debate.

Common error

Avoid using "an age-old question" too frequently in your writing. While it can be effective, overuse can make your writing sound cliché. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "long-standing question" or "perennial question".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an age-old question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It introduces a question or topic that has been discussed for a considerable duration. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an age-old question" is a grammatically sound and very common way to introduce topics that have been debated extensively over time. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability across different contexts. It is most frequently used in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure it appropriately sets the stage for discussing long-standing issues. To avoid sounding repetitive, consider using alternatives such as "long-standing question" or "perennial question".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a long-standing question

Focuses on the duration that the question has been around.

a time-honored question

Emphasizes the respect and tradition associated with the question.

a perennial question

Highlights the recurring nature of the question.

an ancient query

Stresses the historical aspect of the question.

a classic dilemma

Presents the question as a difficult problem with no easy solution.

a historical debate

Highlights the debated nature and its roots in the past.

a traditional inquiry

Focuses on the established and conventional nature of the question.

a long-debated topic

Emphasizes that the question has been extensively discussed.

an issue as old as time

Uses a hyperbole to emphasize how ancient is the question.

a matter of continuing debate

Highlights the ongoing nature of the discussion surrounding the topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "an age-old question" to introduce a topic that has been debated for a long time, such as "The debate over nature versus nurture is truly an age-old question".

What are some alternatives to saying "an age-old question"?

Alternatives include "long-standing question", "perennial question", or "classic dilemma", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an age-old question" in formal writing?

Yes, "an age-old question" is suitable for formal writing, especially when introducing a well-established and ongoing debate. However, ensure the context warrants its use to avoid sounding cliché.

What's the difference between "an age-old question" and "a contemporary issue"?

"An age-old question" refers to a problem or inquiry that has existed for a long time, while "a contemporary issue" refers to a problem that is relevant in the present. The former has historical context, while the latter is current.