ancient city

USAGE SUMMARY

"ancient city" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a city from a bygone era. For example, "The ancient city of Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is an ancient city.

The New York Times

Jalandhar is an ancient city.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Plataea, ancient city of Boeotia, Greece.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ancient city walls still stand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hanoi is an ancient city.

The Guardian

Peter's Square from across the ancient city.

The New York Times

Haussmann needed to demolish an ancient city.

The Guardian - Books

The ruins of the ancient city of Babylon are nearby.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ani, ancient city site in extreme eastern Turkey.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And an ancient city captured in a freeze-frame?

Independent

Hereford sells itself as "Ancient City of the Marches".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ancient city" to evoke a sense of history, mystery, and timelessness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using redundant adjectives such as "very ancient city" or "extremely old ancient city". The word "ancient" already implies great age.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ancient city" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "ancient" modifies the noun "city". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It serves to describe a specific type of urban location.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ancient city" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe urban locations with significant historical depth. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, it effectively evokes a sense of history and timelessness. While alternative phrases such as "historical city" or "old city" exist, "ancient city" carries a unique weight and is generally appropriate for formal and informal writing. When using the phrase, avoid redundant adjectives to maintain clarity and impact. Understanding its connotations and usage patterns allows for more precise and evocative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

historical city

Focuses on the city's importance in history, without necessarily implying great age.

old city

Highlights the age of the city, but might not always convey the same sense of grandeur or historical depth.

archaic city

Emphasizes the city's antiquity and connection to a distant past.

bygone city

Implies that the city is no longer as prominent or influential as it once was.

ancient metropolis

Adds a sense of scale and importance to the ancient city.

long-standing city

Stresses the city's extended existence over a considerable period.

once-great city

Highlights a city that was formerly significant but has since declined.

heritage city

Focuses on the city's cultural and historical legacy.

ruined city

Refers to a city that has been destroyed or fallen into disrepair.

former capital

Indicates that the city used to be the seat of government or power.

FAQs

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

You can use "ancient city" to describe a location with significant historical value, such as "Rome is an "ancient city" with a rich cultural heritage."

What are some synonyms for "ancient city"?

Alternatives include "historical city", "old city", or "heritage city", each with slightly different nuances.

What is the difference between "ancient city" and "old city"?

"Ancient city" typically implies a city with historical and cultural significance from a distant past, while "old city" simply refers to a city that is old, without necessarily conveying the same level of historical importance.

Is it appropriate to use "ancient city" in formal writing?

Yes, "ancient city" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a city with significant historical and cultural value. Its use is well-supported by evidence from reputable sources.