ancient writers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ancient writers" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to authors or literary figures from ancient times, often in discussions about historical texts or literature. Example: "The works of ancient writers such as Homer and Virgil continue to influence modern literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even ancient writers knew that.

The Economist

Of all ancient writers Paul was the most powerful spokesman for equality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other ancient writers who mention Scandinavia are Ptolemy, Jordanes, and Procopius.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A few of his other works, described by ancient writers, survive in Roman copies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The name Mesopotamia has been used with varying connotations by ancient writers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to ancient writers, they were the first people to coin money.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Successively settled by Dorians and Ionians, Pátmos received scant mention by ancient writers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ancient writers from Aristotle to Cicero to Montaigne described friendship as the pre-eminent human institution.

The New York Times

Of all ancient writers, Paul was the most powerful spokesman for equality.

Britannica

It remained for Diodorus Siculus in the 1st century bce to come closest, among ancient writers, to this ideal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The phrase "to eat lotus" is used metaphorically by numerous ancient writers to mean "to forget," or "to be unmindful".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referencing "ancient writers", consider specifying the civilization or period (e.g., "ancient Greek writers", "Roman authors") for clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid making sweeping generalizations about all "ancient writers". Acknowledge the diversity of perspectives and contexts within ancient literature and thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ancient writers" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify and categorize a group of individuals who authored texts in ancient times. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It's employed to reference historical figures and their works, providing a broad categorization for authors like Homer, Virgil, and Plato.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

23%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ancient writers" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to authors from antiquity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its widespread use across diverse sources, including encyclopedias, news media, and academic texts, highlights its reliability and versatility. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider specifying the civilization or period for greater clarity and to avoid overgeneralizations. Alternative phrases like "classical authors" or "early historians" may be more appropriate depending on the context. With its neutral formality and broad applicability, "ancient writers" remains a valuable and effective term for referencing historical literary figures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

classical authors

Focuses on the writers of classical antiquity, particularly those of Greece and Rome.

writers of antiquity

A more formal and encompassing term for writers from ancient times.

ancient literary figures

Broader term including poets, playwrights, and other literary artists.

historical writers

Emphasizes their role in documenting and interpreting history.

early historians

Emphasizes the historical aspect of their writings, suitable when discussing historical accounts.

authors of ancient texts

Focuses on the texts they produced, useful when discussing specific works.

ancient philosophers

Highlights their philosophical contributions, appropriate when discussing philosophical ideas.

ancient scholars

Highlights their scholarly contributions and intellectual pursuits.

Greco-Roman authors

Specifically refers to writers from the Greek and Roman civilizations.

originators of literature

Highlights their role in giving rise to literature.

FAQs

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

You can use "ancient writers" to refer to authors from antiquity, such as "The ideas of "ancient writers" like Plato and Aristotle still influence modern philosophy."

What is a good alternative to "ancient writers"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "classical authors", "early historians", or "writers of antiquity".

Which is correct: "ancient writer" or "ancient writer"?

Both are correct. "Ancient writer" refers to a single author, while "ancient writers" refers to multiple authors.

What are some common themes explored by "ancient writers"?

Common themes include morality, politics, mythology, and the nature of the universe.