old times

USAGE SUMMARY

"old times" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the past. For example: "I miss the old times when life was simpler."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

For old times' sake".

The New Yorker

Feels like old times.

The New York Times

Just like old times.

The Guardian - Sport

Chew over old times.

The New Yorker

It felt like old times.

The New York Times - Sports

Just like old times, really.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

You'll have a gay old time.

The New Yorker

He had a high old time.

The New Yorker

(reading, fishing); Greatest old time players?

The New York Times

Just for old time's sake.

The Washington Post

"For old time's sake," she said.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "old times" to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to compare past experiences with the present.

Common error

Avoid using "old times" when referring to well-defined historical periods. For specific eras, use terms like "the Victorian era" or "the Roaring Twenties" instead.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase functioning as an adverbial of time or circumstance. The phrase "old times" typically modifies a verb or clause, indicating when or under what conditions something occurs, often evoking nostalgia or comparison to the past. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatile use in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "old times" functions as a noun phrase used to express nostalgia, reflect on the past, or compare past experiences with the present. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its prevalence in various contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in "News & Media", suggesting a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. While there aren't significant errors associated with its usage, it's essential to use it appropriately to convey the intended meaning, particularly when distinguishing it from specific historical periods or nostalgic sentiments like "the good old days".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good old days

Highlights a nostalgic view of the past, typically remembered fondly.

those days

Refers to a specific period in the past that is known or understood.

former times

Simply refers to previous periods or occasions.

past days

Focuses on the period in the past.

olden days

A slightly archaic way of referring to the past.

earlier period

A neutral and straightforward reference to a time in the past.

bygone era

Emphasizes a past period that is distinctly different from the present.

days of yore

Evokes a sense of a distant and often idealized past.

golden age

Implies a past period of prosperity, happiness, and achievement.

historical period

Refers to a specific era in history.

FAQs

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

You can use "old times" to express nostalgia or to reminisce about the past. For example, "It feels like "old times" when we all get together like this."

What are some alternatives to saying "old times"?

You can use alternatives such as "past days", "good old days", or "former times" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the old times"?

While "old times" is commonly used, adding "the" can sound slightly less natural in many contexts. It's often better to simply use ""old times"" without the article.

What is the difference between "old times" and "the good old days"?

"Old times" is a general reference to the past, while "the good old days" specifically refers to a past period that is remembered with fondness and nostalgia.