are ancient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are ancient" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing something that has existed for a very long time or is from a distant past. An example is: "The ruins of the temple are ancient." Alternative expressions include "are old," "are historic," and "are antiquated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

There are ancient texts.

The New Yorker

The woods are ancient.

The New Yorker

They are ancient.

The New Yorker

All are ancient.

The Guardian - Opinion

Harbour construction and shipbuilding are ancient arts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The beginnings of pharmacy are ancient.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It's ancient, man".

The New York Times

Some were ancient.

The New York Times

That's ancient!

The New Yorker

That is ancient indeed.

The Economist

My fear is ancient".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are ancient" to describe objects, practices, or concepts that originated long ago and have persisted through time. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, offering a clear and concise way to convey age and historical significance.

Common error

Avoid using "are ancient" to describe something that is merely old or outdated in a contemporary sense. The phrase implies a deeper historical connection and should not be applied to recent or modern items simply because they are no longer the newest versions. For example, saying "these computers are ancient" when referring to five-year-old technology is an overstatement; consider using "outdated" or "obsolete" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are ancient" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a noun (or noun phrase) as being very old or belonging to a distant past. As Ludwig confirms, it's a grammatically correct and frequently used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are ancient" serves to describe something with great age and historical significance, fitting well within both formal and informal contexts, according to Ludwig AI. With a strong presence in news, encyclopedias, and scientific texts, the phrase is deemed grammatically correct. When using "are ancient", be mindful of implying a genuine historical connection and avoid applying it to items that are merely outdated in a modern sense. Consider alternatives like "are very old" or "date back to antiquity" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are of great age

Emphasizes the advanced age of something.

date back to antiquity

Focuses on the origin and time period, emphasizing the connection to ancient times.

belong to ancient times

Highlights that something existed in the distant past.

originated long ago

Highlights the point of origin being in the distant past.

are historically significant

Shifts the focus to the historical importance rather than just the age.

have a long history

Focuses on the extended duration of existence or development.

are from a bygone era

Implies that something is old and no longer in common use or existence.

are steeped in history

Suggests that something is deeply connected to historical events and traditions.

are time-honored

Emphasizes that something is respected because of its age and history.

are immemorial

Indicates that something is so old that its origin cannot be remembered.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are ancient" is used to describe things that have existed for a very long time. For example, "These ruins "are ancient"" or "The traditions "are ancient" and have been passed down for generations."

What are some alternatives to using "are ancient"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "are very old", "are historical", or "date back to antiquity" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "are ancient" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing historical or archaeological topics. However, ensure the context warrants the term's implication of great age and historical significance.

Can "are ancient" be used metaphorically, or is it strictly literal?

While primarily literal, "are ancient" can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe ideas or concepts that are very old and have been around for a long time. For instance, "These philosophical concepts "are ancient" but still relevant today."