in ages

USAGE SUMMARY

"in ages" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has not occurred for a very long time. For example: "We hadn't seen each other in ages!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I haven't seen him in ages!

The Guardian

"We haven't seen you in ages".

The New York Times

I haven't done that in ages.

The Guardian - Music

"I hadn't seen her smile in ages.

The Guardian - Sport

We haven't seen him in ages.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I haven't seen you in ages".

The Guardian - Sport

We haven't had a lease in ages.

The New York Times

It's Maliphant's best work in ages.

Independent

It's his most entertaining film in ages.

Independent

I haven't been inside one in ages.

The New York Times

Moreover, the man hasn't had a date in ages.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in ages", ensure the context clearly indicates a significant period has passed. It's most effective when emphasizing the length of time since a particular event or action.

Common error

Avoid using "in ages" excessively in formal or academic writing. While acceptable in casual conversation, opt for more precise timeframes when accuracy is crucial. For example use "since 2010", "for a decade", or "for fifteen years".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in ages" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the duration of time. Ludwig AI's analysis and the numerous examples show it commonly expresses that something has not occurred for a significant period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in ages" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a significant amount of time has passed since something occurred. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's most appropriate for neutral and informal settings. When more precision is needed, consider alternatives such as "for a long time" or specifying a definite duration. However, "in ages" effectively conveys a sense of extended time in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a long while

This alternative uses "while" instead of "ages", maintaining a similar sense of extended time.

for a long time

This alternative directly indicates a considerable duration, differing in its simplicity and directness.

for years

This option emphasizes a multi-year timeframe, differing in its focus on the passage of years.

not in recent memory

This alternative focuses on the lack of recollection within a person's recent experience, differing in its reliance on memory.

not for a considerable period

This alternative provides a more formal and explicit indication of an extended duration.

for donkey's years

This alternative employs a British idiom, "donkey's years", to amplify the sense of a very long time, differing in its cultural origin.

in what seems like forever

This option highlights the subjective feeling of time passing slowly, differing in its emphasis on perception.

since forever

This phrase indicates a duration stretching back to an indefinite, distant point in time.

it's been a minute

This phrase employs a more colloquial expression to convey the passing of a significant but unspecified amount of time.

for a coon's age

This alternative is an American idiom that uses a folksy expression to mean a very long time, but it is outdated and may be offensive depending on the region.

FAQs

How can I use "in ages" in a sentence?

You can use "in ages" to express that something hasn't happened or that you haven't seen someone for a long time. For example, "I haven't been to the cinema "in ages"".

What can I say instead of "in ages"?

Alternatives to "in ages" include "for a long time", "for years", or "in a long while" depending on the context.

Is "in ages" formal or informal?

"In ages" is generally considered informal. While acceptable in conversation and some writing, more formal settings may require alternatives such as "for a considerable period".

What is the difference between "in ages" and "since forever"?

"In ages" implies a long but finite period, while "since forever" suggests a duration stretching back to an indefinite, distant past. "In ages" conveys, for example, not seeing someone, while "since forever" expresses a condition that seems to have always existed.