ancient times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ancient times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a period in history that is very far back, often associated with early civilizations or significant historical events. Example: "The pyramids of Egypt were built during ancient times, showcasing the incredible architectural skills of that era."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those ancient times do not go away.

The New York Times - Sports

Senegal has been inhabited since ancient times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

MEDICAL NOTES about gynecology in ancient times.

The New Yorker

"Cure for Cancer: Live in Ancient Times".

The New York Times - Health

Zinc mining dates from ancient times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Elginism has existed since ancient times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It has nevertheless persisted since ancient times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's from ancient times," added Ms Yamamoto.

Independent

from ancient times to the present.

Harvard University

There have been many since ancient times".

The New York Times

From ancient times right up to today.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "ancient times", consider the geographical and cultural context to provide specific details. For instance, instead of just saying "ancient times", specify "ancient Rome" or "ancient Egypt" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid broad generalizations when using the phrase "ancient times". Providing specific dates, events, or civilizations helps avoid ambiguity and adds depth to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ancient times" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial of time. It specifies when something occurred or existed, similar to examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ancient times" is a very common noun phrase used to refer to a period far back in history. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of its usage reveals that it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific texts, indicating a neutral register suitable for various audiences. When using "ancient times", it's beneficial to provide specific context and details to avoid broad generalizations. Related phrases like "antiquity" and "classical era" offer alternative ways to express the concept, each with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

antiquity

Focuses on the quality of being old or ancient, often associated with classical civilizations.

classical era

Specifically refers to the period of Greek and Roman history.

early history

Emphasizes the initial stages of recorded history.

bygone days

Evokes a sense of nostalgia and things that no longer exist.

historical period

A general term for a specific segment of history.

olden days

Suggests a more romantic or idealized view of the past.

times of yore

A more poetic and archaic way of referring to the past.

distant past

Highlights the remoteness of the period being discussed.

primitive times

Emphasizes the undeveloped nature of societies in the past.

old times

A simpler and more informal alternative.

FAQs

What are some alternative phrases for "ancient times"?

You can use alternatives such as "antiquity", "classical era", or "distant past" depending on the context.

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

You can use "ancient times" to refer to a period in history that is very far back. For example: "Many great civilizations flourished during "ancient times"".

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

Yes, "ancient times" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing historical periods. However, ensure the context is clear and specific.

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

"Ancient times" typically refers to a more distant and historically significant period, often involving early civilizations. "Old times" is a more general and can be used to refer to any past period, even recent ones.