distant past

USAGE SUMMARY

"distant past" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a phrase used to refer to a time long ago in history. For example, "In the distant past, Ancient Egyptians built the pyramids."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Smith has turned to the distant past.

The Guardian - Books

But that is in the distant past.

The New York Times - Sports

And so on into the distant past.

The New York Times - Science

Chapter 3. Who's Afraid of the Distant Past?

University of Pennsylvania

Mars had surface water in the distant past.

University of California, Berkeley

I am not just talking the distant past.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes, those "priors" can be from the distant past.

The Economist

And science by Muslims was great in the distant past".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Something awful happened here in the not-too-distant past.

The Economist

In the not-so-distant past, however, it was useful.

The New York Times

Figures from the not-so-distant past back this up.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distant past" when you want to emphasize that something happened a long time ago and may no longer be relevant or easily understood in the present.

Common error

Avoid using "distant past" when referring to events that occurred relatively recently. "Recent past" or "not-so-distant past" are more appropriate for events within the last few decades.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distant past" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an adverbial modifier specifying when something occurred. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its role in describing historical contexts and events far removed from the present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

28%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distant past" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to events that occurred long ago. Ludwig's examples show that it is used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English to denote times long ago in history. While "distant past" is widely accepted, it's important to distinguish it from the "recent past" and choose synonyms appropriately for clarity and nuance. Remember that this phrase's power lies in its ability to contextualize events as significantly removed from the present, which enables discussions about history and long-term changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remote past

Emphasizes the remoteness and lack of connection to the present.

ancient times

Focuses on the age and historical significance.

long ago

A simpler and more general way to express the concept.

bygone era

Implies a sense of nostalgia or a time that is completely gone.

yesteryear

A more concise and evocative way to refer to the past.

historical period

A more formal way to describe a specific time in the past.

early days

Refers to the initial stages or beginning of something.

olden days

Evokes a sense of tradition or folklore.

previous epoch

A more technical or scientific term for a time period.

days of yore

An archaic and somewhat poetic expression.

FAQs

How can I use "distant past" in a sentence?

You can use "distant past" to refer to events or times far removed from the present. For example, "Archaeologists study civilizations of the "distant past"."

What's a good substitute for "distant past"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "ancient times", "bygone era", or "remote past".

Is "distant past" the same as "ancient history"?

"Distant past" is a broader term that encompasses anything from long ago, while "ancient history" specifically refers to the recorded history of ancient civilizations.

When is it appropriate to use "not-so-distant past" instead of "distant past"?

Use "not-so-distant past" when referring to events that occurred in the recent past, such as within the last century. It implies a shorter timeframe than the "distant past".