from time immemorial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from time immemorial" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to refer to something that has been existing since antiquity or since time began. For example: "The tradition of making special holiday desserts has been around from time immemorial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Librarians have "from time immemorial" exercised discretion in deciding what to make available to readers, he added.

The New York Times

We have traded from time immemorial.

The Guardian

The scene felt unchanged, from time immemorial.

The New York Times - Travel

From time immemorial the warrior has been fêted and honoured.

The Economist

"From time immemorial every Government has undertaken to ransom its subjects from captivity," he said.

The New York Times

Sight and sound have been used from time immemorial to note the passing hours.

The New York Times

From time immemorial it has been the holy river of Hinduism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were cosmic rules, written into the land from time immemorial.

The New Yorker

From time immemorial men have carved religious monuments and have drawn and painted sacred icons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From time immemorial people dealt with size reduction processes (mill, mineral liberation, etc).

Powder Technology

"The tourists love them, and we've used from time immemorial animals to pull things.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from time immemorial" to emphasize the deep historical roots or long-standing nature of a tradition, practice, or belief. It adds a sense of timelessness and continuity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "from time immemorial" when referring to relatively recent events or developments. It is best suited for contexts where the subject has genuinely ancient or prehistoric origins.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from time immemorial" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something has existed or been practiced. It signifies a point in time so distant that it is beyond memory or record. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "from time immemorial" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote something that has existed since ancient times. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is appropriate across various contexts, though it's most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When using the phrase, it's crucial to ensure that it accurately reflects the subject's age and historical depth. Alternatives like "since ancient times" or "since time began" can provide similar meaning, depending on the context. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in modern contexts to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

since the beginning of time

Focuses on the origin and the infinite past.

since time began

Similar to 'since the beginning of time', emphasizes the start of existence.

since ancient times

Highlights the historical aspect and the distant past.

for ages

A more informal way of expressing a long duration.

from antiquity

Emphasizes the connection to the ancient world and classical history.

since forever

An informal phrase emphasizing an indefinite and very long time.

for as long as anyone can remember

Highlights the length of time by referencing human memory.

throughout history

Focuses on the continuous existence of something across recorded history.

in the mists of time

Suggests something is lost in the distant and unclear past.

for a very long time

A simple and direct way of expressing a long duration.

FAQs

How can I use "from time immemorial" in a sentence?

You can use "from time immemorial" to describe practices or traditions that have existed since ancient times. For example, "The tradition of storytelling has been passed down "from time immemorial"".

What are some alternatives to "from time immemorial"?

Alternatives include "since ancient times", "since time began", or "for ages". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is it appropriate to use "from time immemorial" in academic writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, especially when discussing long-standing historical or cultural phenomena. However, ensure that its use is accurate and adds value to your argument. Ludwig confirms its validity.

What is the difference between "from time immemorial" and "since the beginning of time"?

While similar, "from time immemorial" often implies a connection to human history or practices, whereas "since the beginning of time" is a more general reference to the start of existence.