golden age

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'golden age' is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it is used to describe a period of time that is seen as being the best of its kind. For example, you could say "The 1950s was a golden age of television."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's her golden age.

The New Yorker

A golden age dawns.

The New York Times

Black Hollywood's Golden Age?

University of Pennsylvania

This was cricket's golden age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When was Newsweek's golden age?

The New Yorker

|  "My Barbarian: The Golden Age".

The New Yorker

The golden age was history.

The New Yorker

Then this golden age ended.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

7. Lost-golden-age syndrome.

The Washington Post

(See "China Mobile's Golden Age Is Gone").

Forbes

Our Golden Age Is Now.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a period as a "golden age", clearly define the criteria that make it so. Specify the achievements, innovations, or societal conditions that warrant the label.

Common error

Avoid labeling every period of success as a "golden age". This dilutes the term's impact. Reserve it for eras of truly exceptional and lasting achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "golden age" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a specific period distinguished by positive attributes. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to describe a time that is considered the best of its kind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "golden age" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a period of great prosperity, achievement, or happiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to refer to a time considered the best of its kind. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While synonyms like ""heyday"" and ""peak era"" exist, it's important to use "golden age" judiciously, reserving it for eras of truly exceptional and lasting significance. The high source quality and numerous examples available through Ludwig underscore its widespread use and acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

golden era

Synonymous with "golden age", emphasizing a specific time period.

heyday

Highlights a period of great vigor, success, or popularity, often with a nostalgic tone.

peak era

Focuses on the high point of achievement, omitting connotations of societal well-being.

prime time

Emphasizes a period of popularity or success, often in entertainment or media.

age of prosperity

Highlights the economic success and wealth during a particular time.

the best of times

Emphasizes the positive and favorable conditions of a particular era.

flowering period

Suggests a time of artistic or intellectual flourishing and cultural expansion.

renaissance

Suggests a rebirth or revival of art, literature, and learning.

boom years

Focuses specifically on a time of rapid economic growth and expansion.

classical period

Refers to a specific period in history or art characterized by certain styles and standards.

FAQs

How can I use "golden age" in a sentence?

You can use "golden age" to describe a period of great achievement or prosperity, as in "The Renaissance is often considered a "golden age" of art and literature".

What's an alternative to using "golden age"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "golden age" include "peak era", "heyday", or "renaissance".

Is it appropriate to refer to the present as a "golden age"?

While it can be tempting to label the present as a "golden age", it's important to consider whether the achievements and conditions are truly exceptional and lasting enough to warrant such a designation. Hindsight often provides a clearer perspective.

What are some examples of historical "golden ages"?

Examples of historical "golden ages" include the Golden Age of Athens, the Dutch Golden Age, and the Golden Age of Hollywood.