classic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'classic' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is considered to be of the highest quality and of timeless appeal, such as a classic novel or a classic wardrobe staple. For example: "Lucille's wardrobe is full of classic pieces that never go out of style".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Music

Film

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a classic self-delusional narcissist, I reckoned third place would be OK.

The Guardian - Books

Director Sarah Maldoror studied in Moscow, worked on the classic The Battle of Algiers, then grabbed African cinema by the scruff of the neck, forcing it to engage with feminism, loss and movie aesthetics.

The Guardian - Film

If our movie memories weren't Hollywood-skewed, we'd think of Chronicle of the Years of Embers as a classic but, despite winning the Palme d'or in Cannes in 1975, Mohammad Lakhdar-Hamina's film has fallen into the shadows.

The Guardian - Film

The cowboy that Lauren has honed throughout his career became a cowgirl – see fringed jackets and geometric south-western patterns, the kind seen on classic ponchos, here on slouchy cardigans and backpacks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The same was true of his classic picture of Seberg kissing Belmondo on the cheek.

The Guardian - Arts

Yet, although even the IMF is crying out for the classic Keynesian boost to infrastructure spending, there is precious little sign of a favourable response from policymakers, especially in the beleaguered eurozone.

The Guardian

Between sips, you can place that beer on specially designed stands that reside here, next to each of the dozens of classic video arcade games of your youth (or maybe your older brother or sister's youth).

The Guardian - Travel

The song is taken off 9 Classic Tracks, Chadwick's follow-up to her 2012 debut solo album Eating for Two.

The Guardian - Music

Revisionist remakes of classic children's films are all the rage at the moment, as studios seek to dust off properties for fresh audiences.

The Guardian - Opinion

His production of Ben Jonson's The Devil Is an Ass applied the knife to yards of text, and his West Yorkshire Playhouse production of the children's classic Peter Pan was so dark and grim that one set of parents threatened to sue on the grounds that their child had been traumatised.

The Guardian

Another is the classic thing that gets thrown at Labour politicians, which is: "How can you talk about all these social things when you're from a privileged background?" Although I have a number of sort of red flags on my background that would technically make it unprivileged.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "classic" to add weight and credibility to your writing, implying that something has stood the test of time and remains relevant.

Common error

Avoid labeling everything as "classic", as it dilutes the meaning and impact. Reserve it for items or ideas that genuinely possess enduring qualities and widespread recognition.

Linguistic Context

The word "classic" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate something is of high quality, enduring, and often serves as a standard or model. Ludwig's examples showcase it modifying various nouns like "picture", "ponchos", and "tracks".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

20%

Music

15%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Film

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "classic" is widely used to describe items, ideas, or styles that have proven their value over time. As an adjective, it signifies high quality, enduring appeal, and recognition within a particular field. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across various domains, from film and music to fashion and literature. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and frequently used. When aiming to convey admiration and timelessness, "classic" remains a powerful descriptor, but it's essential to use it judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid diluting its meaning. Alternatives such as "timeless", "archetypal", and "definitive" can provide nuanced variations when describing enduring qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

timeless

Focuses on the enduring quality and resistance to obsolescence.

archetypal

Highlights the role of being a typical example of something.

definitive

Emphasizes the quality of being the best example.

time-honored

Focuses on the tradition and respect gained over time.

vintage

Implies something from the past that is valued for its age and quality.

traditional

Highlights adherence to long-standing customs or styles.

masterpiece

Indicates exceptional artistry and skill.

landmark

Stresses the importance and influence of something.

iconic

Indicates widespread recognition and symbolic significance.

ageless

Highlights its resistance to the effects of time and aging.

FAQs

How can I use "classic" in a sentence?

You can use "classic" to describe something of lasting value or exemplary quality. For example: "This is a "classic" example of modernist architecture."

What are some synonyms for "classic"?

Alternatives include "timeless", "archetypal", or "definitive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes something a "classic"?

A "classic" is typically defined by its enduring appeal, high quality, and lasting influence, often standing the test of time and remaining relevant across generations.

Is it appropriate to use "classic" in formal writing?

Yes, "classic" is appropriate in formal writing when used to accurately describe something of recognized and lasting merit. However, avoid overuse to maintain its impact.