an old ram

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an old ram" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a male sheep that is aged, often in contexts related to farming, animal husbandry, or metaphorical uses. Example: "The farmer decided to keep an old ram for breeding purposes, as he had proven to be strong and healthy over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When they came scrambling out of the hole in the hill, an old ram jerked his head up from his grazing.

The New Yorker

Even if you've never looked an old ram in the eye, you can understand the contempt and frustration in the tone of Gardner's existential monster.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yes, some of the language is racist, and characters are racist – Iago saying "an old black ram is tupping your white ewe" is racial.

The Guardian

Twice betrayed, he takes on a language that is not his own: he is defined not by himself but by his vindictive ensign, Iago; by his rival Roderigo; and by Brabantio, Desdemona's father, who cannot bear the idea of "an old black ram... tupping" his "white ewe".

The New Yorker

(A TALE FOR THE TIME BEING) "The old ram stands looking down over the rockslides, stupidly triumphant".

The Guardian - Books

During this period, she was significantly modernized; her old ram bow was replaced with a clipper bow.

Wikipedia

Oral administration with alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) during the first two weeks of life induced improved morphological traits (weight and length), volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and mechanical properties (maximum elastic strength and ultimate strength) of ribs in 5 month old ram lambs [ 23].

BMC Veterinary Research

Grendel (John Gardner) The line, which has turned you back in time toward an age of old rams and rockslides, leaves you now at the base of the scree, staring upward.

The Guardian - Books

It was an old, beat-up ram they named Mr. Preston.

The New Yorker

There are a raft of damning allegations that have been levelled against 28-year-old Ram Bahadur Bomjan otherwise known as "Buddha Boy"—but the one that got local authorities concerned is the disappearance of at least four of his worshippers.

Vice

It was the way of the sheep to trail after the oldest ram, even if it was senile and useless, and today the flock followed a lame old one with yellow horns warped by time.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing livestock or rural settings, "an old ram" effectively conveys age and experience. Use it to add authenticity and detail to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an old ram" metaphorically in modern contexts where it doesn't fit. Overusing dated imagery can make your writing sound out of touch.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an old ram" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It specifies a particular type of animal with an age descriptor, consistent with examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an old ram" is grammatically correct and serves primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, denoting a male sheep of advanced age. Ludwig indicates its use spans both literal and metaphorical contexts, ranging from agriculture to broader descriptive writing. While generally neutral in tone, its relevance can vary depending on the context; overuse in modern contexts might seem out of place. Consider related phrases like "a mature ram" or "an aged ram" for nuanced alternatives. The expression commonly appears in News & Media and Science articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mature ram

Emphasizes the ram's maturity, suitable for technical contexts.

an aged ram

Highlights the ram's advanced age, providing a more formal tone.

a senior ram

Suggests the ram is older and possibly experienced.

an elderly ram

Directly indicates the ram is very old.

a veteran ram

Implies the ram has a long history, perhaps in breeding.

a weathered ram

Focuses on the physical signs of age and experience.

a long-lived ram

Highlights the ram's longevity.

a past-its-prime ram

Indicates the ram is no longer at its peak condition.

a bygone ram

Implies the ram is from a previous era.

a respected old ram

Highlights ram's status in herd.

FAQs

What does "an old ram" mean?

The phrase "an old ram" refers to a male sheep that is advanced in age. It can be used literally when discussing livestock or farming, or metaphorically to describe someone or something that is aged or outdated.

How can I use "an old ram" in a sentence?

You can use "an old ram" to describe the physical appearance or behavior of an aged male sheep. For example, "The farmer pointed to "the oldest ram" in the field, noting its impressive horns."

What are some alternatives to "an old ram"?

Alternatives include "a mature ram", "an aged ram", or "a senior ram". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "an old ram" or "a old ram"?

It is correct to say "an old ram" because the word "old" begins with a vowel sound. The article "an" is used before words that start with a vowel sound, while "a" is used before words that start with a consonant sound.