for ages

USAGE SUMMARY

"for ages" is correct and usable in written English.
It often refers to a long period of time. For example: "I've been saving up for this vacation for ages!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For ages 2-up.

The New York Times

Dead for ages.

The New Yorker

Been that way for ages.

The New York Times

For ages 14 and up.

The New York Times

It was around for ages.

The New York Times

He's been preparing for ages.

The New York Times

It stays on for ages.

The New York Times

(For ages 9 and older).

The New York Times

It went on for ages.

The Guardian

That's been dead for ages.

The New York Times

Suitable for ages 9+.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for ages" to emphasize that something has lasted or has not happened for a notably long time. It adds a sense of exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "for ages" in contexts where a precise measurement of time is required. The phrase is intentionally vague and should not be used when accuracy is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for ages" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverbial phrase. It indicates the duration of an action or state. As stated by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, thus confirming its correct function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for ages" is a common and correct phrase used to indicate a long period of time. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely accepted in written English, although more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. It is particularly frequent in news and media, as shown by Ludwig's examples. When writing, remember that the phrase lacks precision, so avoid using it when accuracy is paramount. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "for a long time" or "for a considerable period". By understanding its nuances and potential pitfalls, you can confidently incorporate "for ages" into your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a long time

This alternative is a more literal and straightforward way of expressing a prolonged duration.

for years

This alternative specifies the duration in terms of years, implying a substantial length of time.

for a considerable period

This option provides a more formal and emphatic way of expressing a significant duration.

in a long time

This option emphasizes the extended absence of an event or action.

for what seems like forever

This phrase adds a subjective element, highlighting the perceived length of the duration.

for donkey's years

This alternative is an informal British expression meaning a very long time.

since time immemorial

This option suggests a duration stretching back to a point beyond memory or record.

over an extended duration

A formal construction, that implies scientific and academic contexts.

throughout the years

This expression emphasizes the ongoing nature of the duration across multiple years.

during a lengthy period

It uses a somewhat redundant phrasing to emphasize a duration that lasted longer than expected.

FAQs

How can I use "for ages" in a sentence?

You can use "for ages" to indicate that something has lasted a very long time. For example, "I haven't seen her "for ages"" or "This has been coming "for ages"".

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

If you need a more formal alternative, consider using "for a long time" or "for a considerable period".

Is "for ages" appropriate in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "for ages" is generally considered too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise or formal alternatives such as "for an extended period".

What does "for ages" imply about the duration?

"For ages" implies that a significant amount of time has passed, often longer than expected. However, it's subjective and doesn't refer to a specific number of days or years.