old flame

USAGE SUMMARY

'old flame' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a former romantic partner. For example, "After seeing her old flame at the reunion, Kara felt a strange mix of emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Burn on, old flame.

The New Yorker

My old flame was now a mom.

The New Yorker

My old flame grew round-wombed.

The New Yorker

Elizabeth Poldark née Chynoweth Heida Reedd) The old flame.

Independent

Then my old flame moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The New Yorker

A veteran meets an old flame.

The New York Times - Books

One old flame wanted to meet.

The New York Times

Did Coulson's old flame Reyes look familiar?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If so, an old flame may be rekindled.

The Economist

Gourmet: my old flame, I loved you once!

The New Yorker

Gilles meets an old flame there, amid the bonfires.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "old flame" when you want to convey a sense of nostalgia or lingering feelings towards a former romantic partner. The phrase is appropriate in informal contexts, such as storytelling or casual conversation.

Common error

While "old flame" is a common idiom, avoid overusing it in formal writing or professional settings where a more neutral term like "former partner" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "old flame" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a former romantic partner, often with a connotation of lingering affection or unresolved feelings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. For example, "My old flame and I met in the hallway of a dorm in Iowa City."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0.3%

Wiki

0.3%

Reference

0.3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "old flame" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a former romantic partner, often implying lingering affection or unresolved feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to informal tone. While generally appropriate for storytelling and casual conversation, more formal terms like "former partner" may be preferred in professional or academic settings. The phrase is unlikely to cause confusion and appears frequently in high-quality sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When using this expression, remember to avoid overusing this cliché.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

former lover

Emphasizes the romantic aspect of the past relationship.

ex-girlfriend

Specifically refers to a female former partner.

ex-boyfriend

Specifically refers to a male former partner.

past sweetheart

Implies a sense of nostalgia and affection.

previous partner

A more neutral and less emotionally charged term.

former romantic interest

A more formal and detached way to describe a past relationship.

lost love

Highlights the sense of loss associated with the end of the relationship.

bygone romance

Emphasizes the passage of time and the end of the relationship.

previous relationship

Focuses on the fact that there was a relationship in the past

old flame from the past

Adds redundancy but reinforces the temporal distance.

FAQs

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

You can use "old flame" to refer to a former romantic partner, as in, "She ran into an old flame at the grocery store."

What's a less cliché alternative to "old flame"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "former lover", "previous partner", or "ex-boyfriend"/"ex-girlfriend".

Is it appropriate to use "old flame" in formal writing?

While understandable, "old flame" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, "former partner" or "previous romantic interest" might be more suitable.

What does it mean to "rekindle an old flame"?

To "rekindle an old flame" means to try to restart a romantic relationship with a former partner. For example, "They met again after many years and decided to rekindle their old flame."