feel like ages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel like ages" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that seems like a very long time. For example, "I haven't seen my best friend in months - it feels like ages since we last met up!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Songs like "Zombie" perched atop the alternative-rock charts for what felt like ages.

The New Yorker

"I was on 18 for what felt like ages but I am very happy.

Independent

The last one rang out for what felt like ages before anyone dared to applaud.

The New York Times - Arts

After what felt like ages I peered around under the peak of the Captain's cap.

The Guardian - Music

It felt like ages since I had witnessed the lenient response to the first theft in the mosque.

The New Yorker

For the first time in what felt like ages, there were postgame smiles and music blaring in the Mets clubhouse.

The New York Times - Sports

After what felt like ages, it was a relief to have Ms. Franklin return, energies renewed, to belt out "Chain of Fools".

The New York Times - Arts

This feels like ages ago, back when the president himself told bank CEOs, "My administration is the only thing between you and the pitchforks".

The Guardian - Opinion

"I was just thinking to myself: 'I hadn't won a title in a while.' I think my last one was in Canada, a $50,000 ITF, and it just felt like ages ago.

Independent

Ms. Bowman, who has lived here for nearly five decades, recalled an instance when she called 911 because she suspected she was having a stroke, then waited, she said, for what felt like ages.

The New York Times

Of course, that concept isn't exactly new: Countless tiny Android devices that plug straight into your television have popped up on crowdfunding sites and Chinese bulk ordering sites for what feels like ages now.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel like ages" to express a subjective sense of time; avoid using it in contexts requiring precise measurements.

Common error

While "feel like ages" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it in formal or academic writing where precise or objective language is preferred. Opt for more specific terms to describe duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel like ages" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey a subjective experience of time. Ludwig AI examples show its usage across various contexts to emphasize the perceived length of a duration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel like ages" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey that a period of time seems subjectively very long. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's often employed in news and media contexts to express feelings of impatience or boredom. While generally acceptable, it's best to avoid in highly formal writing, where more precise language is preferred. Alternatives such as "seem like forever" or "feel like an eternity" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to use "felt like ages" for past events and "feel like ages" for present ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem like forever

Emphasizes the seemingly endless nature of the duration.

feel like an eternity

Highlights the extreme length and perceived timelessness.

feel like a lifetime

Suggests a significant portion of one's life has passed.

drag on and on

Focuses on the tedium and lack of progress during the time.

take forever

A more casual way of expressing a long duration.

last a long time

A straightforward expression of extended duration.

never end

Implies an indefinite and unwelcome continuation.

stretch out endlessly

Emphasizes the expansive and seemingly limitless quality of the time.

go on forever

Similar to "never end", suggesting an interminable duration.

linger endlessly

Suggests something continues far longer than desired.

FAQs

How can I use "feel like ages" in a sentence?

You can use "feel like ages" to express that something seems to take a very long time. For example, "Waiting for the test results "feel like ages"."

What's a more formal way to say "feel like ages"?

For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "a considerable duration", "an extended period", or "a significant amount of time" instead of "feel like ages".

What does it mean when something "feels like ages"?

When something "feels like ages", it means that a period of time seems much longer than it actually is, often due to boredom, anticipation, or discomfort.

Is it correct to say "feels like ages" or "felt like ages"?

Both "feels like ages" and "felt like ages" are grammatically correct, but "felt like ages" is used when referring to something in the past, while "feels like ages" is used for the present. For example, "The meeting "felt like ages" yesterday," versus, "Waiting for the bus "feels like ages" now."