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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
historical
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "historical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to events, figures, or contexts related to history or the past. Example: "The historical significance of the battle cannot be overstated."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Built in 1890 by Robert Walker in Portland stone and listed by English Heritage as a site of special historical and architectural interest, the property boasts a penthouse suite with aerial views of the capital, dozens of rooms, spaces for entertaining, and a secure vault in the basement.
News & Media
But Obama made use of the historical setting to try to conjure the very same sort of shared values that brought western nations together when the iron curtain divided Europe; he announced plans to cut nuclear weapons.
News & Media
After the Russian Revolution, according to Putin, the Bolsheviks did serious damage to Russia's interests: The Bolsheviks, for a number of reasons – may God judge them – added large sections of the historical south of Russia to the Republic of Ukraine.
News & Media
"We're talking about an issue which really clears up the historical record," Leigh said.
News & Media
There was nonetheless a historical irony in watching Ukrainians tearing down Lenin's statues as a sign of their will to break with Soviet domination and assert their national sovereignty.
News & Media
It was only a strange error that led to the historical obsession with GDP As someone who has worked on these issues for three decades, I have observed that, sadly, most people who criticise the idea of measuring happiness are handicapped by the fact they know little about the research literature on the topic.
News & Media
In the UK, a Spectator blog by Nick Cohen "said everything I would wish to say better than I could say it", wrote Rushdie in retweeting a link; and Jo Glanville, director of English PEN, argued that the works at issue in historical "free speech battles" had often been offensive or of "no merit".
News & Media
The violent protests over the union flag row have now extended to the East Antrim town, which has long-standing historical links to the Ulster loyalist-Protestant cause.
News & Media
You collect historical warriors and send them out to fight, upgrading their levels as you go.
News & Media
Historical amnesia is certainly liberating – so liberating that America is once again diving into free fall, unmoored by any critical or intellectual insight into its own myths, or even into the histories of the debates that we think define our moment.
News & Media
He describes the latter as "an incurious 'presentism' – combining a lack of historical sense, a pervasive contempt for the wisdom of the past, a fascination with novelty simply because it is new and a propensity to over-react to every ephemeral focus group finding or tabloid whim".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "historical", ensure the context clearly relates to documented events or established periods of the past. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the credibility of your statement.
Common error
Avoid using "historical" when "historic" is more appropriate. "Historic" denotes importance or fame, whereas "historical" simply relates to the past. For instance, use "historic event" instead of "historical event" when emphasizing significance.
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The adjective "historical" primarily functions to describe something related to or based on events in the past. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples confirm its use in denoting a connection to recorded history, distinguishing it from myths or legends.
Frequent in
News & Media
100%
Less common in
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "historical" is a versatile adjective used to describe something related to the past. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily news and media, confirms that the use of the term "historical" is grammatically correct. To ensure proper usage, distinguish "historical" from "historic", using the latter only when emphasizing significance or importance. Remember to ensure that context is clear and relevant to documented events or periods of the past. This will improve clarity and strengthen credibility. By following this guide, you can confidently and effectively use "historical" in your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
of historical significance
Emphasizes the importance of something in relation to history.
past
Refers to a time before the present; a more general term.
in historical terms
Presents something within a historical perspective or context.
rooted in history
Highlights the origins or foundations of something in the past.
related to the past
A general way of linking something to past events.
ancient
Relates to a distant period in the past, often implying antiquity.
from a bygone era
Referring to something originating from a past time period.
former
Indicates something that existed in the past but not now.
erstwhile
Similar to former, but often used for positions or roles.
bygone
Implies a past that is finished or no longer relevant.
FAQs
How do I use "historical" in a sentence?
"Historical" is used to describe something related to or based on events in the past. For instance, "The museum has a large collection of historical artifacts."
What's the difference between "historical" and "historic"?
"Historical" refers to anything related to history, while "historic" refers to something significant or important in history. Use "historical research" for research about history, and "historic moment" for a momentous occasion.
What are some adjectives similar to "historical"?
Can I use "historical" to describe something that happened recently?
While technically anything that happened in the past is "historical", the term usually implies a time period further removed from the present. For recent events, consider using "past" or "previous".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested