earlier eras

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earlier eras" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to past periods in history or time. For example: "The art styles of earlier eras continue to influence modern artists." Alternative expressions include "previous periods" and "former times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Problematic batches from earlier eras are missing.

The New Yorker

In earlier eras, I wouldn't have minded.

The New York Times - Books

Now consider what the differential was in earlier eras.

The New York Times

Earlier eras might have been even more jittery than ours.

The New York Times

The specificity of "Girls" also links it to earlier eras.

The New Yorker

In earlier eras, this would have been called a stalemate.

The New York Times

In earlier eras, such a slight would have stung.

The New York Times

And yet, by many measures, earlier eras produced bigger hits.

The New Yorker

The military dictators of earlier eras crushed dissent.

The New York Times

But I'm also a fan of songwriters of earlier eras.

The Guardian - Books

Earlier eras witnessed migration on a similar scale.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing present conditions with those of the "earlier eras", provide specific details and context to highlight the differences or similarities.

Common error

Ensure that you don't make sweeping statements about "earlier eras" without acknowledging the diversity and complexity of those times. Be specific about which periods or aspects you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earlier eras" functions as a noun phrase typically used as an adverbial modifier or subject complement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase commonly refers to past time periods, often in comparison or contrast with the present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earlier eras" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to past time periods, frequently employed to draw comparisons or contrasts with the present. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and is most often found in news and media contexts. While it maintains a relatively neutral tone, it's crucial to provide specific details and avoid overgeneralizations when discussing past periods. Alternatives like "past epochs" or "previous times" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

former periods

Focuses on a time frame that preceded the current one.

past epochs

Emphasizes distinct periods in the past with significant characteristics.

historical ages

Highlights specific epochs recognized in history.

preceding decades

Specifies the timeframe as the decades that came before the present.

previous times

A more general term referring to any point in the past before the present.

past centuries

More specific, referencing eras within previous centuries.

bygone days

Evokes a sense of nostalgia and often refers to a time that is idealized or romanticized.

olden times

Refers to a distant past, often associated with traditional or historical contexts.

ancient days

Implies a very remote past, typically before recorded history.

older generations

Shifts the focus to people who lived in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "earlier eras" in a sentence?

You can use "earlier eras" to compare past and present conditions, such as: "Technological advancements have drastically changed our lives compared to "earlier eras"".

What are some alternatives to using "earlier eras"?

Alternatives include "past epochs", "previous times", or "bygone days", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in earlier era" instead of "earlier eras"?

While "earlier era" can be correct, it refers to a singular, unspecified period in the past. "Earlier eras" is more appropriate when discussing multiple periods or comparing general conditions across various times.

What's the difference between "earlier eras" and "the old days"?

"Earlier eras" is a more formal and academic way to refer to past time periods, while "the old days" is generally more informal and can carry a nostalgic or sentimental connotation.