ancient beliefs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ancient beliefs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing traditional or long-held ideas, values, or practices that have been passed down through generations. Example: "Many ancient beliefs still influence modern cultures and practices around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Yet ancient beliefs die hard.

The Economist

"This has advanced our knowledge of ancient beliefs in the afterlife".

The New York Times

But to live in 2015 requires bringing ancient beliefs into consonance with modern values.

The Economist

All that tinseltown glamour and fresh blood on the streets was feeding ancient beliefs about the illusory nature of life.

The Guardian - Books

THE days when fossil-hunters bestrode the globe, smashing ancient beliefs with blows from their geological hammers, are long gone.

The Economist

To hard-line clerics, remembering Mr. Gorbachev's fate, only oblivion beckons in the attempt to graft the political ideals of democratic liberalism onto the ancient beliefs of Islam.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The disadvantage is if a filmmaker tweaks an ancient belief too much".

The New York Times

The Cultural Revolution dismantled China's ancient belief systems, and the economic revolution that followed could not rebuild them.

The New Yorker

According to ancient belief, beautiful, correct words bring about good, whereas ugly, coarse language can cause evil.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They look to Jesus as the lamb of God who made the ancient belief in sacrifice obsolete.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today, many people loosely subscribe to the ancient belief that firecrackers scare off nefarious spirits and attract the gods of good luck and fortune.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of "ancient beliefs", specify the culture or region from which they originate to provide context and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all "ancient beliefs" are the same across different cultures. Acknowledge the diversity and unique characteristics of each belief system.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ancient beliefs" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a set of convictions or ideas originating in the distant past. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is often used to discuss the influence of historical ideologies on contemporary society.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ancient beliefs" effectively captures the essence of long-held traditions and ideologies that continue to resonate in modern society. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, particularly in academic, news and encyclopedic contexts. When employing this phrase, it's important to consider the specific cultural or historical backdrop to avoid overgeneralizations, as this helps convey accurate context and nuanced understanding. Related phrases like "traditional beliefs" or "historical beliefs" can be useful alternatives, depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traditional beliefs

Focuses on the transmission of beliefs across generations, emphasizing their established nature.

long-held beliefs

Highlights the duration for which these beliefs have been maintained.

historical beliefs

Directly connects the beliefs to a specific period in history.

ancestral beliefs

Emphasizes the origin of the beliefs in one's ancestry or lineage.

time-honored beliefs

Implies that the beliefs are respected and valued due to their age.

venerable beliefs

Suggests that the beliefs are worthy of reverence and deep respect.

age-old beliefs

Emphasizes the great age and antiquity of the beliefs.

old-fashioned beliefs

Highlights that the beliefs are no longer widely accepted or practiced in modern times.

outdated beliefs

Suggests the beliefs are obsolete and no longer relevant.

archaic beliefs

Indicates the beliefs are extremely old and no longer in common use.

FAQs

How can I use "ancient beliefs" in a sentence?

You can use "ancient beliefs" to discuss how past traditions influence modern society, such as: "Many "ancient beliefs" continue to shape cultural practices today."

What's a good alternative to the phrase "ancient beliefs"?

Alternatives include "traditional beliefs", "long-held beliefs", or "historical beliefs", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do "ancient beliefs" differ from modern beliefs?

"Ancient beliefs" typically refer to pre-scientific or pre-industrial understandings of the world, whereas modern beliefs are often informed by scientific discoveries and contemporary values. The key difference is the historical context and the sources of knowledge.

In what contexts is it appropriate to discuss "ancient beliefs"?

Discussing "ancient beliefs" is appropriate in fields like anthropology, history, religious studies, and cultural studies, where understanding past ideologies and their impact is essential. It's also relevant in discussions about the intersection of tradition and modernity.