down the ages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "down the ages" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to a long period of time in the past. For example, "Folktales and stories have been passed down the ages from generation to generation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

DOWN the ages stuttering has been blamed on many things.

The Economist

It is this ethos which it has carried down the ages.

Independent

It was a beacon that down the ages has been patiently signalling the fact that no one had discovered it.

The New Yorker

It describes the present and is not primarily given to making timeless statements that will ring down the ages.

The Guardian - Books

I doubt if the words of Peter Rippon, the editor of Newsnight, will ring down the ages.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a beacon that down the ages patiently signaled the fact that no one had discovered it".

Science Magazine

Soldiers down the ages have heard that before.

The Guardian

Folk art has known these tricks down the ages.

Independent

You can hear blues-punks from down the ages.

The Guardian - Music

"Experience is the excuse of the incumbent down the ages.

The Guardian

Artists and writers have told this truth down the ages.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "down the ages", ensure that the subject you're describing truly spans a considerable period; avoid using it for recent or short-lived phenomena.

Common error

Avoid using "down the ages" when referring to events or trends that have only occurred in recent times. This phrase is best reserved for phenomena with a long and well-documented history.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "down the ages" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier. It indicates a temporal scope, referring to the entirety of recorded history or a significantly long period of time. Ludwig confirms its correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "down the ages" is a correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to emphasize the historical continuity or long-standing nature of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used in different contexts, especially in news and media, with a neutral to formal tone. When you need to provide historical context or underscore the endurance of something over time, consider using "down the ages". Remember to reserve this phrase for subjects with genuinely long histories to avoid misrepresenting the timeline. Alternatives like ""over the centuries"" or ""throughout history"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throughout the ages

A very similar phrase, simply adding 'throughout' for emphasis.

over the centuries

Focuses specifically on a span of centuries, implying a very long historical period.

throughout history

Emphasizes the entire span of recorded human events, offering a broad historical view.

across the years

Highlights the accumulation of individual years, suggesting a gradual unfolding of time.

in bygone eras

Refers to past periods, often romanticized or idealized, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

from time immemorial

Indicates a point in the distant past, beyond living memory or historical records.

since ancient times

Specifically references the classical or early historical periods.

for generations

Highlights the passing of time through successive family lines, emphasizing inheritance and tradition.

over extended periods

Stresses the length of time involved, suitable for scientific or technical contexts.

in the course of time

Implies a natural progression or evolution over a certain duration.

FAQs

How can I use "down the ages" in a sentence?

Use "down the ages" to indicate that something has occurred or been true throughout a long period of history. For instance, "The principles of justice have been debated "down the ages".".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "down the ages"?

Alternatives include "over the centuries", "throughout history", or "since ancient times", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "up and down the ages" instead of "down the ages"?

While "down the ages" is a standard and widely accepted phrase, "up and down the ages" is less common. "Up and down" often implies fluctuations or variations, which may not be appropriate depending on the context. It's best to stick with "down the ages" for clarity and common usage.

What is the difference between "down the ages" and "throughout the ages"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Down the ages" emphasizes the continuous flow of time from the past to the present. "Throughout the ages" emphasizes the presence of something across various periods. The distinction is subtle and often negligible.