centuries ago

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "centuries ago" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used while referring to events, occurrences, or activities that happened a long time in the past. For example, you can write, "Centuries ago, mankind developed an early form of writing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Centuries ago?

The New York Times - Science

"And he saw it five centuries ago".

The New York Times

"They retired centuries ago".

The New York Times

It feels like centuries ago.

The Guardian - Sport

Centuries ago everything was manufactured by hand.

Harvard Business Review

White people lost their spirits centuries ago.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

They had left Spain centuries ago, during the Inquisition.

The New York Times - Science

Centuries ago Hippocrates stated, "Let food be thy medicine, and let thy medicine be food".

BMC Cancer

Nearly two centuries ago.

The New York Times - Travel

That process began centuries ago.

The New Yorker

We could be a mountain family two centuries ago.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "centuries ago" to provide historical context or emphasize the antiquity of a subject. For example, when describing ancient civilizations or long-standing traditions.

Common error

Refrain from using "centuries ago" repeatedly within a short passage. Opt for varied phrasing to maintain reader engagement and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "centuries ago" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action or state occurred. As Ludwig AI explains, it's suitable for referring to events in the distant past. It provides temporal context to the main idea of the sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "centuries ago" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that effectively situates events in the distant past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it serves to provide historical depth and underscore the longevity of various phenomena. While versatile, it's advisable to use it judiciously, varying phrasing to prevent redundancy and enhance stylistic appeal. This phrase is a valuable tool for anyone seeking to convey a sense of historical perspective in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the distant past

Directly states that the events occurred far back in time.

in ancient times

Refers specifically to antiquity.

long time past

Emphasizes the duration of time that has passed.

ages past

A more literary or poetic way to express a long time ago.

in bygone eras

Highlights a specific historical period that is no longer present.

in former ages

Similar to 'in bygone eras', focusing on past ages.

in olden days

Implies a more traditional or old-fashioned setting.

many years since

Focuses on the number of years elapsed.

a millennium ago

More precise timeframe, specifying a period of one thousand years.

a long while back

More informal way to refer to events of the past.

FAQs

How can I use "centuries ago" in a sentence?

Use "centuries ago" to indicate that something happened a very long time in the past. For example, "Centuries ago, people believed the Earth was flat."

What phrases are similar to "centuries ago"?

Similar phrases include "in ancient times", "in the distant past", or "long time past".

Is it appropriate to use "centuries ago" in formal writing?

Yes, "centuries ago" is suitable for formal writing when discussing historical events or long-established practices. Its formality depends on the context of the overall text.

Can I use specific century references instead of "centuries ago"?

Yes, you can use specific century references for greater precision, such as "in the 15th century" or "during the 1800s" if the exact timeframe is known and relevant.