olden times

USAGE SUMMARY

"olden times" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a period of time that is remote, distinctive, and remembered as a golden age or a simpler age. For example: "In olden times, women were considered inferior to men and had far fewer rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Olden times then?" James asked.

The Guardian - Books

"Yes, olden times," I agreed.

The Guardian - Books

In olden times, the nomination then died.

The New York Times

Since olden times, betrayal has always had a certain cachet".

The New Yorker

'Na Vota, in Piedmont dialect, means "olden times".

The New York Times

In olden times, players stuck around for four years.

The Guardian - Sport

In "Child of God," we get this assurance: "As in olden times so now.

The New Yorker

In olden times, lawn sprinkler systems were run on a schedule.

The New York Times - Tech

Then he dropped Olden Times into the San Juan Capistrano Handicap, and lo and behold - Olden Times led from beginning to end.

The New Yorker

IN olden times, it was easy to separate the almost famous from the truly famous.

The New York Times - Food

Looking at temples, listening to people speak, olden times and now times.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "olden times" to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to contrast past practices with present-day ones. It's best suited for contexts where you want to create a feeling of distance and difference from the present.

Common error

Avoid using "olden times" in highly formal or scientific writing. Its somewhat informal and nostalgic tone may not be appropriate for such contexts. Opt for more neutral phrases like "the past" or "historical times".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "olden times" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a temporal reference. It is used to denote a past era, often with connotations of nostalgia or a simpler way of life. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in contrasting past practices with present ones.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "olden times" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a past era, often with a nostalgic or comparative tone. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use across various contexts. While versatile, it is best suited for informal or creative writing, with more neutral terms preferred in formal settings. The phrase enjoys frequent usage in News & Media and Science, as the provided examples demonstrate. When you want to evoke a sense of the past, consider using "olden times" to add color and context to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

olden days

Similar to "olden times" but emphasizes the days instead of the times.

days of yore

Evokes a romantic and somewhat archaic image of the past.

bygone era

Refers to a past period that is no longer in existence or practice, often with a sense of wistfulness.

days gone by

Emphasizes the passing of time and the irretrievability of the past.

the good old days

Emphasizes positive memories and nostalgia associated with a past period.

former times

Indicates a period prior to the present, without necessarily implying a romantic or nostalgic view.

historical times

Focuses on the past as a subject of historical study and significance.

earlier days

Similar to "the good old days", but with a more neutral connotation.

ancient times

Specifically refers to a very distant past, often associated with ancient civilizations.

the past

A general reference to any time before the present.

FAQs

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

You can use "olden times" to refer to a period in the past, especially one that is remote or regarded as better than the present. For example, "In "olden times", people relied on handwritten letters for communication".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "olden times"?

Similar phrases include "days of yore", "bygone era", or "the good old days". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "olden times" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "olden times" is generally more suitable for informal or creative writing. For formal contexts, consider using phrases like "historical periods" or "the past".

What is the difference between "olden times" and "ancient times"?

"Ancient times" specifically refers to a very distant past, typically associated with ancient civilizations. "Olden times" is a more general term for any period in the past, not necessarily as far back as antiquity.