back in history

USAGE SUMMARY

'back in history' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to the past, especially a period of time in the distant past. For example, you might say, "Back in history, people used to travel by horse and carriage."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Which goes back in history.

University of California, Berkeley

"That's going back in history.

The New York Times

If anyone reads back in history..

The Washington Post

"It goes way back in history," he said.

The New York Times

Going back in history, corrosion was originally treated as a typical local phenomenon.

Electrochimica Acta

The use of marines goes far back in history.

Britannica

Paintings on the wall jog forward and back in history.

The New York Times

How far back in history do the turnover events trace?

The New York Times

Was O. J. Simpson the greatest running back in history?

The New York Times - Sports

The roots of current disciplines and domains of study reach well back in history.

International Encyclopedia of Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We mean historic as let's-go-back-in-history-and-do-a-Marie-Antoinette-updo historic.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "back in history", specify the era or event you are referring to for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "back in history" without providing a specific historical period. Instead of saying "back in history, things were different", specify the era, like "in the Victorian era, things were different".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back in history" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating a time frame in the past. Ludwig's examples show how it provides a temporal context for various subjects, from social insurance to the Roman Empire.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back in history" is a common and grammatically sound way to reference past events, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as an adverbial phrase, providing historical context in various discussions. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse sources, including news, academic papers, and general conversations. While versatile, clarity is enhanced by specifying the period referenced, as Ludwig AI also suggests. This practice avoids vague references and ensures the reader understands the specific historical context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking to the past

Suggests examining previous events or trends for insight or comparison.

historically speaking

Introduces a discussion or analysis based on historical events or trends.

in historical context

Focuses on providing background information from the past to understand current events.

during earlier periods

Highlights a change or evolution.

in times past

Emphasizes a sense of nostalgia or a significant difference from the present.

in former times

Indicates a contrast from the current period.

in bygone eras

Highlights the contrast between modern times and previous periods.

in ancient times

Specifies a very distant past, often associated with ancient civilizations.

in previous generations

Emphasizes changes across family lineages.

formerly

Briefly points to past conditions that are no longer present.

FAQs

How can I use "back in history" in a sentence?

You can use "back in history" to refer to past events or periods. For example, "Back in history, the Roman Empire was a dominant force in Europe".

What are some alternatives to "back in history"?

Alternatives include "in historical context", "in times past", or "historically speaking" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "back in history" or "in the past"?

While both are correct, "back in history" often implies a more distant or significant historical period than "in the past", which can refer to more recent times.

How far back does "back in history" typically refer to?

The phrase "back in history" is flexible but usually refers to events before the modern era. The specific time frame depends on the context.