left in the distant past

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left in the distant past" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is no longer relevant or has been forgotten over time. Example: "The traditions of the ancient civilization have been left in the distant past, overshadowed by modern practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA Two large neighbors of our own Milky Way galaxy Andromeda (upper right) and Triangulum (lower left)—experienced a close encounter in the distant past.

Science Magazine

They were here before, in the distant past, and left stuff buried deep underground that they would need for the present-day invasion.

The New York Times

In the distant past, I would have just told them I would not be there and leave it at that.

Forbes

But that is in the distant past.

The New York Times - Sports

Mars had surface water in the distant past.

University of California, Berkeley

The irony of a narrative rooted in the distant past and the distant future is majestic.

The New York Times

Many mounds had been plundered in the distant past.

The New York Times

Indigenous story starts in the distant past and lives today.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kernow, in the distant past, was a separate kingdom.

The Guardian - Travel

And science by Muslims was great in the distant past".

Independent

In the distant past it was far worse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left in the distant past" to emphasize the irrelevance or obsolescence of something in contemporary contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "left in the distant past" when referring to events that occurred recently; this phrase is best suited for conveying a significant temporal gap.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left in the distant past" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify a verb or noun. It indicates the temporal positioning of an event, idea, or object within a remote historical context. Although Ludwig contains no exact example, the broader usage of similar phrases confirms this.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "left in the distant past" functions as a prepositional phrase used to denote something as temporally remote and largely irrelevant to the present. While Ludwig's AI indicates its grammatical correctness, the phrase's impact hinges on its ability to effectively convey a significant temporal distance. Usage is best suited for neutral to formal contexts, such as academic writing, news reporting, and general descriptive prose. Alternative phrases like "relegated to bygone eras" or "consigned to history's depths" can provide similar nuances, adapting to specific communicative needs. As a result, when aiming to highlight obsolescence or historical remoteness, "left in the distant past" offers a clear and widely accepted option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

belonging to a former age

Implies association with an earlier period, accentuating a sense of obsolescence.

part of a previous epoch

Highlights that something originates from a specific, earlier era.

relegated to bygone eras

Emphasizes the act of something being assigned or dismissed to past times.

a relic of old times

Conveys that something is an artifact or vestige of the past.

consigned to history's depths

Highlights the placement of something deep within historical records, suggesting obscurity.

buried in the annals of time

Suggests something is deeply embedded within historical records and narratives.

lost in antiquity

Focuses on the state of being irretrievably old and remote.

forgotten in the corridors of time

Implies that something has been overlooked or ignored as time has passed.

extinct from present memory

Stresses the absence of something from current recollection, emphasizing its total disappearance.

an echo from yesterday

Metaphorically describes something as a faint reminder of what once was.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "left in the distant past" in a sentence?

Use "left in the distant past" to indicate that something is no longer relevant or has been superseded by more recent developments. For example, "The traditions of that society have been "left in the distant past"."

What are some alternative phrases for "left in the distant past"?

Alternatives include "relegated to bygone eras", "consigned to history's depths", or "lost in antiquity", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "left in the distant past" in formal writing?

Yes, "left in the distant past" is suitable for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and conveys a clear meaning. However, ensure that the context justifies referring to something as being significantly removed in time.

What's the difference between "left in the distant past" and "forgotten"?

"Forgotten" simply means not remembered, while ""left in the distant past"" suggests something has been intentionally or unintentionally superseded by time, implying a greater degree of irrelevance or obsolescence.