as old as

USAGE SUMMARY

"as old as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two objects or events with different ages. For example, "I've known him for as long as I can remember; he's as old as my dad!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In fact, it's as old as civilization.

Huffington Post

"I'm as old as NATO.

The New York Times

Tale as old as time".

The New York Times

Persecution is as old as man.

The New York Times - Books

Tiling is as old as Midwestern farming.

The New York Times

A black Labrador as old as Methuselah.

Independent

The type is as old as Hollywood.

The New Yorker

Exorcism is as old as Christianity itself.

The New York Times

Abortion is almost as old as childbirth.

The New Yorker

Crime is as old as humanity, as old as storytelling.

Stanford University

It's as old as time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as old as" to create relatable comparisons, making abstract concepts more understandable by linking them to familiar timeframes or entities. For instance, "This tradition is as old as the town itself" offers a tangible point of reference.

Common error

Avoid using "as old as" when simply stating an object's age without comparing it to something else. Instead of saying "The artifact is as old as", specify "The artifact is 2000 years old" or "The artifact is ancient".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as old as" functions as a comparative construction, specifically an equative comparison, indicating that two entities share a similar age or antiquity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase. Examples show it comparing ages of buildings, traditions, or even abstract concepts like ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

19%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as old as" serves as a common and versatile comparative tool to equate the age of two different subjects. It's deemed grammatically correct and fit for use in almost all forms of writing. With a neutral register, the phrase is frequently utilized in News & Media and academic writing, Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage. To avoid misuse, this phrase should only be utilized when comparing ages. Alternatives such as "the same age as" or "dating back to" can add more precision depending on the intended nuance. By understanding both best practices and common errors, writers can effectively use "as old as" to enhance clarity and provide relatable context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the same age as

Replaces the comparative structure with a more direct statement of equivalent age.

as ancient as

Emphasizes the great age of something, similar to "as old as" but with a stronger connotation of antiquity.

of similar age to

Replaces the 'as...as' structure with a more direct comparison of age.

contemporary to

Indicates that two things existed or occurred during the same period.

dating back to

Focuses on the origin or start time of something.

originating from

Highlights the source or beginning of an item or concept.

from the time of

Highlights a specific moment or period of origin.

from the era of

Specifies a particular historical period or time.

of the same vintage as

Suggests a comparison of age, often used in the context of wine or other items that improve with age.

as early as

Focuses on how soon something appeared or began.

FAQs

How can I use "as old as" in a sentence?

Use "as old as" to compare the age of two things. For example, "This building is "as old as the city"" compares the building's age to that of the city.

What are some alternatives to saying "as old as"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the same age as", "dating back to", or "contemporary to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "older as" instead of "as old as"?

No, "older as" is not grammatically correct. The correct comparative form is "as old as" for equality or "older than" for inequality.

What's the difference between "as old as" and "dating back to"?

"As old as" compares the age of two things, while "dating back to" specifies the origin or starting point in time of a single thing. For example, "The tradition is as old as the village" versus "The tradition dates back to the founding of the village".