old and new

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "old and new" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about things that exist in both newer and older versions or styles, and to emphasize the changes that have taken place over time. For example: "This technology combines the best of both old and new techniques to create something entirely unique."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Bolanders straddle the old and new.

The New York Times

The fans cheered Tigers old and new.

The New York Times - Sports

The music too overlays old and new.

The New York Times - Arts

How to balance old and new?

The New York Times - Arts

I love matching old and new furniture.

Independent

It's old and new.

The New York Times - Travel

Sidley is balancing old and new.

The New York Times

"Old and new juxtaposition," Ms. Seidman said.

The New York Times

It looks both old and new.

The New York Times - Arts

A happy marriage of old and new?

The Guardian - Books

The true old and new Labour.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the evolution of a field, use "old and new" to effectively highlight the changes and continuities over time. This helps provide a comprehensive view.

Common error

Avoid using "old and new" as a generic phrase. Always provide specific examples or details to clarify what aspects are considered old and what aspects are new. Without context, the phrase becomes vague and loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "old and new" primarily functions as a modifier, often acting as an adjective to describe a noun or concept that combines elements from both the past and the present. Ludwig provides several examples showcasing this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "old and new" is a common and versatile expression used to describe a combination or contrast between established and contemporary elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Predominantly found in news, science, and formal business settings, it serves to highlight transitions, juxtapositions, and the evolution of concepts. For clarity, specify what constitutes "old" and "new" in your context to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives such as "traditional versus modern" or "past and present" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traditional versus modern

This alternative emphasizes a contrast between established customs and contemporary practices.

past and present

This alternative highlights the temporal aspect, contrasting what has occurred with what is currently happening.

legacy and innovation

This phrase emphasizes the juxtaposition of established heritage with groundbreaking advancements.

conventional and cutting-edge

This alternative highlights the contrast between standard practices and the most advanced or innovative approaches.

established and emerging

This phrasing contrasts elements that are firmly in place with those that are just beginning to develop.

classic and contemporary

This alternative suggests a contrast between enduring styles and current trends.

historical and current

This alternative is focused on contrasting historical elements with the current state.

time-honored and novel

This pairing highlights contrast of old traditions with something new or original.

yesterday and today

This expression simply juxtaposes the events or state of the previous day with the current one.

heritage and advancement

The juxtaposition of heritage and advancement indicates how something from the past has evolved into something improved.

FAQs

How can I use "old and new" in a sentence?

You can use "old and new" to compare or contrast different aspects of a subject, such as "The project combines "old and new" technologies" or "The city is a blend of "old and new" architecture".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "old and new"?

Alternatives include "traditional versus modern", "past and present", or "legacy and innovation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "new and old" instead of "old and new"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "old and new" is the more common and idiomatic phrasing. "New and old" might sound awkward to native English speakers, so it's generally best to stick with "old and new".

What's the difference between "old and new" and "traditional and modern"?

"Old and new" is a general comparison, while "traditional and modern" specifically refers to established customs versus contemporary practices. "Traditional and modern" implies a cultural or societal shift, whereas "old and new" can apply to any subject.