earlier times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earlier times" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a period in the past, typically before the current time. It can be used in various contexts, such as historical, cultural, or personal. Example: In earlier times, people relied on handwritten letters to communicate with each other instead of instant messaging and social media. Example: The traditions and customs of our ancestors from earlier times are still practiced and celebrated in our community today.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In earlier times catapults "reduced" the fortifications.

The Economist

"Those were earlier times.

The New York Times

The report contains echoes of earlier times.

The New York Times - Tech

But the collection begins with earlier times.

The New York Times - Travel

That was indeed true in earlier times.

The Guardian - Opinion

That made industrialisation a cakewalk compared with earlier times.

The Economist

In earlier times there was much mutual influence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In earlier times I knew nothing except poetry," he said.

The Guardian - Books

"Certainly in earlier times these houses came with responsibility.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They've become fashionable by adopting the fashions of earlier times.

The New York Times

The Cone sisters also collected works from earlier times.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earlier times" to provide historical context or to contrast past conditions with the present. For example, "In earlier times, travel was significantly more challenging than it is today."

Common error

Be specific when using "earlier times". Ensure the context clarifies the timeframe you're referring to, to prevent ambiguity. Avoid using it in situations where a more precise term like "the 19th century" or "before the industrial revolution" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earlier times" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate when something occurred. As Ludwig shows, it provides a temporal reference, situating events or conditions in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41.67%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earlier times" is a commonly used phrase that serves to denote a period in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and versatile, fitting into various contexts like News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When using "earlier times", ensure clarity by providing sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "bygone era" or "olden days" exist, "earlier times" maintains a neutral to slightly formal tone, making it suitable for a wide range of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the past

A broad and simple way to refer to any time before the present, lacking specific connotations.

former periods

A more neutral and general way to refer to past times, suitable for factual or informative contexts.

olden days

Implies a past time, often with a folksy or traditional connotation, suggesting simpler times.

early days

Focuses on the beginning stages of a particular event, project or era, indicating a starting point.

bygone era

Refers to a past period, often characterized by specific cultural or societal attributes, adding a nostalgic tone.

historical times

Specifically relates to times documented in history, often used in academic or educational settings.

past epochs

Refers to distinct periods in history, often used in academic or historical contexts, indicating a formal tone.

ancient times

Refers to a very distant past, typically before the Middle Ages, often associated with classical civilizations.

previous generations

Focuses on the people who lived in the past and their experiences, emphasizing a familial or societal connection.

days of yore

Evokes a sense of nostalgia and romanticism, suggesting a distant and often idealized past.

FAQs

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

You can use "earlier times" to contrast past conditions with the present, provide historical context, or refer to traditions of the past. For instance, "In earlier times, people relied on oral storytelling to pass down their history."

What are some alternatives to "earlier times"?

Some alternatives to "earlier times" include "olden days", "bygone era", "the past", or "former periods", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in earlier times" or "in the earlier times"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "in earlier times" is more common and natural-sounding. Adding "the" can make the phrase sound slightly more formal or specific, but it's generally unnecessary.

What's the difference between "earlier times" and "ancient history"?

"Earlier times" is a general term for any period in the past, while "ancient history" specifically refers to the distant past, typically before the Middle Ages and often associated with classical civilizations. "Earlier times" has a broader application than "ancient history".