for the ages

USAGE SUMMARY

"for the ages" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an accomplishment or event that will be remembered for a long time. For example, "This victory will be remembered for the ages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"One for the ages.

The New York Times - Sports

A lesson for the ages.

The New York Times - Books

A book for the ages?

The New York Times - Books

Something for all ages, for the ages.

The New York Times - Books

It was a talk for the ages.

The New York Times

This was a sound for the ages.

The New Yorker

Her Yelena was one for the ages.

The New Yorker

Dream for the ages.

The New York Times

Matthiessen wrote for the ages.

The Guardian - Books

A round for the ages.

The Guardian - Sport

It's one for the ages.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the ages" to describe achievements, events, or creations that you believe will be remembered and celebrated long into the future. It conveys a sense of enduring impact and historical significance.

Common error

While "for the ages" is a powerful phrase, overuse can diminish its impact. Reserve it for truly exceptional cases to maintain its gravitas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the ages" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate the enduring quality or lasting impact of an action or attribute. It emphasizes that something is not merely transient but will be remembered or valued far into the future, as also confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Sports

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Arts

10%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for the ages" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that denotes enduring significance and lasting impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys that something is worthy of remembrance and admiration for generations to come. Predominantly found in contexts like news, sports, and literature, this phrase lends a sense of historical weight and importance to its subject. When using "for the ages", ensure it's reserved for truly remarkable instances to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that will stand the test of time

Emphasizes durability and continued relevance over time.

for posterity

Emphasizes the idea of preserving something for future generations.

a timeless legacy

Highlights a legacy that transcends time, remaining relevant and impactful across generations.

of historical significance

Highlights the importance within a historical context.

for the long term

Focuses on the extended duration of impact or relevance.

of lasting importance

Highlights the enduring significance of something.

to echo through time

Suggests that something will be remembered far into the future.

down the line

Suggests a continuing effect, a point forward from another point

to endure for millennia

Emphasizes an extremely long duration, spanning thousands of years.

destined for greatness

Implies a future achievement of great renown.

FAQs

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

You can use "for the ages" to describe something that is expected to be remembered for a very long time, such as "This performance will be remembered "for the ages"".

What are some alternatives to "for the ages"?

Alternatives include "for posterity", "for the long term", or "of lasting importance".

Is "for the ages" formal or informal?

"For the ages" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in news, media, and historical discussions.

What makes something "for the ages"?

Something "for the ages" possesses exceptional qualities that ensure its enduring relevance, impact, and memorability across generations.