ancient hits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ancient hits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to popular songs, movies, or other media from the past that are still well-known or appreciated today. Example: "The radio station is playing a special segment featuring ancient hits from the 80s and 90s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The guests milled about, while ancient hits by Madonna and the Jackson Five played over the imperfect sound system.

The New Yorker

Well past middle age he trod the boards in Europe, mostly in Britain, taking his ancient hits to the likes of Peterborough, Birmingham and Glasgow.

The Economist

David Ippolito, the Guitar Man of Central Park, strummed by the Lake, offering a Concert for Change comprising "Get Together" and other ancient hits of the 1960's.

The New York Times

He goes on to sing of death and tells how tired he's grown of playing his ancient hits and doing his trademark duckwalk for the pleasure of baby boomers.

The New Yorker

Sillitoe says he does not mind, though at the same time concedes that Saturday Night has dogged him as a writer - like the rock groups who are asked to play ancient hits by their audience when they want to move on.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The ancient computers that have operated the civil-service system since the 1980s will not hit the junk pile anytime soon.

The New York Times

The rest is ancient".

The New York Times

I scurried down to Intihuatana to catch the first light hitting the ancient sundial.

The New York Times - Travel

The charity said 35 ancient trees would be hit by the proposed route, with eight likely to be completely destroyed.

The Guardian

Beijing Postcards Sinica Podcast Do hits City explorers Ancient Beijing Yuan is a Beijing-born, Beijing-based journalist and writer who has studied in the UK.

The Guardian

This is especially important if you're witnessing a marker or ancient petroglyph as the Sun hits it.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to older musical pieces, specify which ancient time period it refers to, as some eras have different musical aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "ancient" too broadly. It's best reserved for things genuinely old and established. For more recent successes, "classic" or "vintage" are often more fitting. "Ancient hits" isn't typically used for recent decades.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ancient hits" functions as a noun phrase, where "ancient" is an adjective modifying the noun "hits". It describes a specific category of successful songs or other media from the past, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ancient hits" is a grammatically sound way to refer to popular songs or media from a distant past, although it's less common than alternatives like "classic hits" or "old hits". Ludwig AI confirms its usability, indicating a focus on age and enduring appeal. While versatile, it's best reserved for genuinely old successes; otherwise, "classic" or "vintage" may be more appropriate. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various audiences. When aiming for clarity and impact, tailoring your choice to the specific era and listener preferences can maximize its effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

old hits

Simple synonym, focuses on the age of the hits.

classic hits

Emphasizes the enduring quality and appeal of the hits.

vintage hits

Highlights the period or era from which the hits originate.

golden oldies

Informal term for well-loved old songs.

time-honored hits

Stresses the respect and long-standing appreciation for the hits.

long-lasting hits

Focuses on the durability and continued popularity of the hits.

ageless hits

Highlights the hits' ability to remain relevant despite the passage of time.

retro hits

Implies a style or fashion associated with a past era.

old-time favorites

Suggests a personal connection and fondness for the hits.

past successes

Broader term referring to achievements in any field, not just music or entertainment.

FAQs

What does "ancient hits" mean?

Ancient hits refers to songs, movies, or other media from a distant past that were very popular and are still well-known or appreciated today.

What are some alternatives to "ancient hits"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "old hits", "classic hits", or "vintage hits".

Is "ancient hits" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "ancient hits" is less common than phrases like "classic hits" or "old hits". Its appropriateness depends on how old the hits actually are.

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

You might say, "The radio station plays a mix of current pop songs and "ancient hits" from the 60s and 70s."