bygone times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bygone times" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a period of time in the past, often regarded as being gone or forgotten. For example: "Looking back on the days of bygone times, we can only imagine what life was like then."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

In the computer world, those bygone times seem positively Elizabethan.

The New York Times - Science

But she never stopped loving the songs of bygone times.

The New York Times

Hear "His Master's Voice" as it sounded on 78 rpm discs of bygone times!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Or the sense of longing for bygone times when "people never ceased perfecting themselves".

The New York Times

The data on white men can help explain why Trump's supporters are so nostalgic for bygone times.

The Washington Post

Now, as preservationists embrace the ruins of bygone times, it also is home to what has been described as the largest forest in the South Bronx.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Recess is not a luxury from a bygone time.

The Washington Post

The challenges of reconciliation are continuous, not consigned to some bygone time or place.

The Guardian - Opinion

He thinks the old-style politics of Bill Clinton are relics of a bygone time.

The Washington Post

Where are the endearing young charms of "Mirette," the theatricality of a bygone time?

The New York Times

But this season has underlined that he is a figure of a bygone time in MLS.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bygone times" to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to refer to a past era that is significantly different from the present. It is especially fitting when discussing cultural or technological shifts.

Common error

Avoid using "bygone times" in contexts that are only a few years in the past. The phrase suggests a more distant and significant shift than recent changes typically warrant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bygone times" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier to describe a period in the past. This phrase is often part of a larger sentence to set a nostalgic or historical context, as illustrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bygone times" is a phrase used to refer to a past era, often with a sense of nostalgia or contrast to the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, lending a neutral to formal tone. When writing, "bygone times" helps set a historical perspective, but should be used carefully to avoid overuse in contemporary contexts. Alternatives such as "times gone by" or "olden days" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances. To conclude, "bygone times" evokes reflection and historical context, offering depth to your writing with a touch of nostalgia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bygone days

Similar to "bygone times" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on specific days or events.

times gone by

Emphasizes the passage of time and the feeling of something being in the past.

olden days

Refers to a vaguely defined past, often with a positive or idealized connotation.

past eras

More formal and academic, highlighting specific periods in history.

days of yore

Archaic and literary, evoking a sense of distant and romanticized past.

former times

Simple and direct, indicating a period before the present.

historical periods

Focuses on distinct segments of history, often used in academic or educational settings.

previous epochs

More technical and scientific, referring to specific geological or historical epochs.

yesteryear

Evokes a sense of nostalgia and a longing for the past.

the past

General term referring to any time before the present.

FAQs

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

You can use "bygone times" to refer to a past era, for example: "The museum exhibit showcased artifacts from "bygone times", giving visitors a glimpse into a different way of life."

What's a good alternative to "bygone times"?

Alternatives to "bygone times" include "times gone by", "olden days", or "past eras", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "bygone times" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to evoke a sense of nostalgia or refer to a period that is significantly different from the present. However, "past eras" or "historical periods" might be more suitable in strictly academic contexts.

What is the difference between "bygone times" and "bygone days"?

While both phrases refer to the past, "bygone times" is a more general term. "Bygone days" often implies a more specific and personal reflection on past experiences, focusing on particular days or events, while "bygone times" emphasizes the overall era.