glory days

USAGE SUMMARY

"glory days" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a time in the past when something special or memorable happened or existed. Example sentence: "I remember when our team won the championship - those were the glory days!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Glory days.

The New York Times

Ah, the glory days.

The New York Times

They were glory days.

Independent

Decathlon's glory days faded.

The New York Times - Sports

These were glory days.

Princeton University

The glory days were brief.

The New Yorker

Sadly, the glory days were short-lived.

Independent

The glory days seem so long ago.

The New York Times - Sports

The glory days were over quickly.

The Guardian - Sport

Say goodbye to your glory days, Facebook.

The New York Times

These are glory days for the Giants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glory days" to evoke nostalgia or to contrast a successful past with a less impressive present. For example: "The team's "glory days" are long gone, but fans still remember the championships."

Common error

Avoid using present tense verbs when referring to "glory days". The phrase inherently refers to a past period. Instead of saying "These are the glory days", say "Those were the "glory days"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glory days" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it describes a past era of success or significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "glory days" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to reference a past period of success, happiness, or prominence. As indicated by Ludwig, it serves primarily to evoke nostalgia or contrast past achievements with the current state. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, with less frequent use in formal academic writing. Common errors include misusing verb tenses when describing these "glory days". Alternatives include "golden age" or "heyday", depending on the specific context. In summary, "glory days" is a versatile phrase for discussions of past successes, though careful attention should be paid to maintaining accurate tense and choosing the best alternative based on register and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heyday

Focuses on the peak of someone's or something's success and influence.

best days

A straightforward expression for a period considered the most successful or enjoyable.

peak years

Highlights the years during which someone or something was at its best.

golden age

Emphasizes a period of prosperity and achievement in a broader, often historical, context.

golden era

Similar to golden age, but often used for a specific field or industry.

best times

A more general term for a period of great happiness and success.

most successful period

A more formal way of referring to a time of great achievement.

prime of life

Refers specifically to the period when someone is at their physical and mental peak.

halcyon days

Implies a period of peace and tranquility, often remembered nostalgically.

salad days

Suggests a time of youthful inexperience and idealism.

FAQs

How can I use "glory days" in a sentence?

You can use "glory days" to refer to a past period of success or happiness, like in the sentence "The 1990s were the team's "glory days"". It's often used to express nostalgia or contrast with the present.

What's a more formal way to say "glory days"?

A more formal alternative to "glory days" could be "golden age" or "peak years", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "glory days" singular or plural?

"Glory days" is plural. It refers to a period of time, which inherently involves multiple days. Therefore, it's always used in its plural form.

What's the difference between "glory days" and "good old days"?

"Glory days" specifically implies a period of notable success or achievement, while "good old days" is a more general term for a past time that is fondly remembered, not necessarily for specific accomplishments.