old fashioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "old fashioned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is out of date, or has qualities of a time that is long past. For example, "I love the old fashioned way of baking cookies from scratch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Old fashioned.

The New Yorker

So old fashioned.

The New Yorker

Old fashioned dumb luck.

Cornell University

But clearly I'm old fashioned.

Forbes

Those measures aren't old fashioned.

Forbes

Wear old fashioned clothing.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Old-fashioned," she says.

The New Yorker

Old-fashioned, indeed.

The New York Times

I'm old-fashioned.

The New York Times

He's beyond old-fashioned.

The New York Times

They're so old-fashioned.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "old fashioned" when you want to emphasize the charm or value of something traditional in a modern context. For example, "He had an "old fashioned" sense of chivalry."

Common error

Avoid using "old fashioned" to dismiss something as inherently bad or ineffective. While it indicates something is from the past, it doesn't necessarily mean it's inferior. Instead, focus on specific drawbacks if you intend to criticize.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "old fashioned" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is characteristic of a past era. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing clothing, values, methods, and even cocktails.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "old fashioned" is a common and versatile adjective phrase used to describe something characteristic of a past era. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It often carries a sense of nostalgia or charm, but can also simply indicate something is outdated. Related phrases include "out of date", "traditional", and "dated". When using "old fashioned", be mindful of the connotations you wish to convey and avoid implying inferiority solely based on age. Overall, "old fashioned" remains a valuable part of the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of date

Implies something is no longer current or relevant.

outmoded

Indicates something is no longer fashionable or practical.

dated

Suggests something belongs to a past era.

traditional

Emphasizes adherence to long-established customs or beliefs.

conventional

Highlights conformity to accepted standards or norms.

archaic

Indicates something is very old or old-fashioned.

passé

French term implying something is no longer fashionable or current.

behind the times

Suggests someone or something is not up-to-date with current trends.

old school

Refers to a traditional or earlier style or method.

anachronistic

Describes something that is out of place in time.

FAQs

How can I use "old fashioned" in a sentence?

"Old fashioned" can describe anything from styles and methods to values and beliefs. For example, "She preferred "old fashioned" remedies for her ailments" or "His "old fashioned" manners were quite charming".

What are some synonyms for "old fashioned"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "out of date", "traditional", "dated", or "conventional".

Is it better to say "old fashioned" or "outdated"?

Both terms indicate something is no longer current, but "old fashioned" often carries a sense of nostalgia or charm, while "outdated" usually implies something is obsolete or ineffective. The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "old fashioned" and "vintage"?

While both terms refer to things from the past, "old fashioned" describes something that adheres to past styles or customs, whereas "vintage" typically refers to items of high quality or historical significance from a previous era. Something "vintage" is often valued for its age and condition.