in its old form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in its old form" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has reverted to or is being discussed in a previous state or version. Example: "The document was revised, but we decided to keep a copy in its old form for reference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It survived in its old form in Ireland, both as the Catholic feast of saints and souls and a great seasonal festival, and massive Irish emigration to America in the 19th century took it over there.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or, rather, writing is still there in its old form but it's gone quiet.

Independent

After the movement had grown to its height about 1855, it declined in force and was practically at an end in its old form when in 1871 Ribbonism was declared illegal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Schwarzenberg thus obtained the revival of the former German Confederation in its old form.

Britannica

But restoring the nation state in its old form is an illusion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Do we want to stay here?" No one believed that Christchurch could be remade in its old form.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Apprenticeship in its old forms virtually collapsed in the 1970s, after which point the only way to learn skills became through formal academic routes, where working-class boys fared relatively badly compared with middle-class kids.

The Guardian

Music publishing in its older form has virtually disappeared.

The New York Times

Whereas originally most researchers in philology were active either in the study of the different national literatures or in comparative literature in its older form (international, interartistic or intertextual relations, influence studies etc)., there was initially very little specialisation.

Johns Hopkins University

Alter's more academic and literary commission allows him to luxuriate in the forked possibilities of the Hebrew text, in its oldest forms written entirely in consonants, and without punctuation.

The New Yorker

So the question remains, "Can Morgan Stanley survive in anything like its old form?" The precedents are not encouraging.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in its old form" when you want to emphasize a contrast between the current state of something and a previous, often idealized, version. This can add depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in its old form" when you actually mean "in its original form". The former implies a return to a past state, while the latter refers to the very first state something was in.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in its old form" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb. It indicates that something is being considered or exists in a state that it previously held. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in its old form" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that denotes a previous state or version of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. While often interchangeable with alternatives like "in its original state" or "as it used to be", "in its old form" often carries a subtle implication of something being outdated or having undergone change. Its frequency is common, appearing most often in news and media, encyclopedias and science related content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its original state

Emphasizes the initial condition or appearance before any alterations.

in its former condition

Highlights a past state, often implying a change or decline.

as it used to be

Uses a more conversational tone to refer to a previous state.

in its previous incarnation

Suggests a past version or manifestation, potentially with a different purpose.

in its earlier manifestation

Focuses on a prior appearance or demonstration of something.

in its antiquated style

Highlights the old-fashioned nature of something's design or method.

in its pristine condition

Implies a state of perfection or purity that existed previously.

in its historical context

Focuses on the past circumstances and setting surrounding something.

as it once was

Emphasizes a nostalgic view of the past state of something.

in its initial guise

Refers to the original form or appearance, often implying a disguise or change.

FAQs

How can I use "in its old form" in a sentence?

You can use "in its old form" to describe something that has reverted to a previous state or is being discussed in the context of its past appearance. For example: "The tradition, though modernized, still retains elements of the ritual "in its old form"".

What's a good alternative to "in its old form"?

Alternatives include "in its original state", "in its former condition", or "as it used to be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in it's old form"?

No, the correct phrasing is "in its old form". "Its" is the possessive form of "it", while "it's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has".

What's the difference between "in its old form" and "in its previous form"?

"In its old form" often carries a connotation of something being somewhat outdated or traditional, while "in its previous form" is a more neutral way to refer to a past state.