history

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "history" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the study or record of past events, particularly in a specific context such as academic writing or discussions about past occurrences. Example: "The history of ancient civilizations reveals much about human development and societal structures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We trawled each other's bodies for every inch of history.

The Guardian - Books

Every VMA performance, that's what you're looking for; you're wanting to make history".

The Guardian - Music

"History often vindicates those involved in such acts.

The Guardian

I can tell you what recorded history says, I can tell you what the Bible says, but I think that's a dispute amongst theologians and I think it has nothing to do with the gross domestic product or economic growth of the United States.

The New York Times

History will be as kind to him as he was to others.

The Guardian

Sevilla scored three and, for the first time in history, two penalties were given against Madrid at home, but still the visitors lost by four.

The Guardian - Sport

"Five years ago I stood here and said we had made history here in Brighton," Lucas said to loud cheers inside the Brighton Centre conference venue.

The Guardian

Nine belong to a parliamentary association that wants the teaching of history in schools to give a better gloss to Japan's militarist era".

The New York Times

"It's part of our history.

The New York Times

She has no family history of heart disease.

The Economist

"'Obamacare' is the greatest expansion of federal power in the history of the country".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "history", be specific about the period or context you are referring to. This adds clarity and avoids generalizations. For instance, specify "the history of the Roman Empire" instead of just "history".

Common error

Avoid presenting a single, simplified version of "history". Acknowledge multiple perspectives and interpretations to provide a more nuanced and accurate account.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "history" is as a noun, referring to the aggregate of past events, the study of the past, or a record of events. Ludwig AI highlights its usage across diverse contexts, demonstrating its role in conveying information and narratives about the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "history" functions primarily as a noun referring to past events and their study. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and very commonly used across diverse sources, including News & Media, Sport, and Opinion pieces. The term's formality varies depending on the source, ranging from formal academic contexts to neutral news reporting. When writing about the "history", it is advisable to be specific about the period or context to avoid generalizations. Alternative phrases include "past events" and "historical record", each with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

past events

Focuses on the events themselves rather than their interpretation or recording.

historical record

Emphasizes the documented aspect of the past.

recorded past

Highlights the aspect of being documented or remembered.

chronicle of events

Suggests a detailed and chronological account.

bygone era

Refers to a past period, often with a sense of nostalgia or distance.

days of old

Evokes a sense of the distant past, often in a romantic or idealized way.

ancient times

Specifies a very early period in the past.

past experiences

Focuses on personal or collective experiences.

previous occurrences

Highlights prior instances or happenings.

long ago

Simply indicates a time far in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "history" in a sentence?

You can use "history" to refer to the study of the past, a record of events, or the past itself. For example, "She is studying ancient history" or "The project aims to make history".

What's the difference between "history" and the "past"?

"History" often refers to the interpretation and recording of past events, while the "past" simply refers to what has already happened. "History" is a constructed narrative, while the "past" is the raw material.

What can I say instead of "history" when referring to someone's background?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "background", "past experiences", or "track record".

Is it correct to say "history repeats itself"?

The phrase "history repeats itself" is a common idiom suggesting that patterns and events from the past tend to recur in the present or future. While not a literal truth, it's a widely understood concept.