in historical terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in historical terms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing or analyzing events, concepts, or phenomena from a historical perspective. Example: "In historical terms, the impact of the Industrial Revolution was profound, reshaping economies and societies across the globe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Does that make sense in historical terms?

The Economist

The pound is now extremely weak in historical terms.

The Guardian - Business

However, they are still extremely low, in historical terms.

The Guardian - Business

"In historical terms, this is an astounding thing.

The New York Times

You don't think of it in historical terms.

The Guardian - Arts

In historical terms, however, it's not that low.

The Guardian

But, in historical terms, it's not a particularly big tax".

The New York Times

But in historical terms, that looks like a dangerous line.

The New York Times - Sports

Corporate-bond yields are not that high in historical terms.

The Economist

In historical terms that's still pretty low, he pointed out.

Independent

In historical terms, the Conservatives have been Britain's most successful political party.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in historical terms", ensure you clearly define the scope of the historical period you are referencing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in historical terms" to make broad, unsupported claims about the past. Always provide specific historical evidence to back up your statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in historical terms" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a statement by providing a historical frame of reference. As Ludwig examples show, it sets the context for understanding something relative to past events or trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in historical terms" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to provide a historical perspective to a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and encyclopedic entries, suggesting a neutral register. To enhance clarity, it's crucial to define the historical scope when using the phrase, and avoid overgeneralizations. Alternative phrases include "from a historical perspective" and "in the context of history". By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively incorporate "in historical terms" into their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

From a historical perspective

Emphasizes a viewpoint that considers historical context.

In the context of history

Highlights the specific historical setting being considered.

Historically speaking

Functions as a conversational opener to introduce a historical viewpoint.

In light of history

Suggests understanding something based on historical events.

Considering historical precedents

Focuses on past events that serve as a guide or justification.

With the benefit of hindsight

Implies judging a past event with knowledge gained since its occurrence.

In retrospect

Suggests looking back and reevaluating past events.

Looking back on history

Emphasizes a reflective examination of historical events.

From a historical standpoint

Similar to 'from a historical perspective' but slightly more formal.

Assessing it historically

Directly refers to evaluating something using historical information.

FAQs

How can I use "in historical terms" in a sentence?

You can use "in historical terms" to provide a historical context or perspective to your statement. For example, "In historical terms, the current economic recession is relatively mild compared to the Great Depression".

What phrases are similar to "in historical terms"?

Alternatives include "from a historical perspective", "in the context of history", or "historically speaking".

When is it appropriate to use "in historical terms"?

It's appropriate when you want to compare a current situation, event, or trend with historical precedents to provide context or analysis.

Is there a more formal way to say "in historical terms"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "from a historical standpoint" or "considering historical precedents" for a more formal tone.