remote past

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remote past" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a time period or era that is far back in history or that one cannot remember. Example sentence: Historians have been able to piece together information about the remote past with clues left behind by ancient civilizations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was interested in anything from the remote past.

The New Yorker

In the remote past, the diffusion of military technology was gradual and uneven.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Humans are biological survivors, part of an unbroken genetic stream linked to the remote past.

The New York Times

Antecedents of science fiction can be found in the remote past.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was much more kind to the birds than in the remote past.

The New York Times - Sports

But many other showbiz honours are a blast from the fairly remote past.

The Guardian

IS: Well, a fiction of memory is when I'm describing the more remote past.

The Guardian - Books

Recent history seems to be joining the remote past in the well of oblivion.

The New York Times

Toys, playthings, and games survive from the most remote past and from a great variety of cultures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such antiques anchor the show firmly in the remote past, so we're free to enjoy it purely as an artifact.

The New York Times

Lineages were often conceived of as timeless, extending backwards into the remote past and forward through generations yet unborn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remote past" to refer to time periods so distant that direct evidence is scarce, relying on archaeological findings or theoretical reconstructions.

Common error

Avoid using "remote past" when referring to events within recent memory or easily documented historical periods; use phrases like "recent history" or "past few years" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remote past" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the object of a preposition or a complement in a sentence. It specifies a time period far back in history, often the subject of study in fields like archaeology and paleontology. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remote past" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression referring to a time long ago. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science publications, the phrase serves to contextualize events within a distant timeframe. Alternative phrases include "distant past" and "ancient times". When using "remote past", ensure it aligns with events that are significantly distant in history and avoid confusing it with the recent past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distant past

This alternative directly replaces "remote" with "distant", maintaining a high degree of synonymy and interchangeability.

ancient times

This refers to a period far back in history, specifically those of early civilizations.

bygone era

This emphasizes the sense of a time that has passed and is no longer present.

long ago

A simple, informal way to refer to the distant past.

early history

Focuses on the initial stages of historical development.

prehistoric times

Specifically refers to the time before written records.

olden days

Evokes a sense of nostalgia for the past.

former times

A more formal way of saying "times past".

days of yore

A somewhat archaic or literary way to refer to the past.

historical past

Emphasizes the factual and recorded nature of the past.

FAQs

How can I use "remote past" in a sentence?

You can use "remote past" to refer to time periods far back in history. For example: "Archaeologists study the "remote past" to understand early human civilizations."

What phrases can I use instead of "remote past"?

Alternatives include "distant past", "ancient times", or "bygone era" depending on the context.

Is "remote past" formal or informal language?

"Remote past" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it appears more frequently in historical or scientific discussions.

What is the difference between "remote past" and "recent past"?

"Remote past" refers to a time period far back in history, while "recent past" indicates events that happened not long ago. The key difference is the distance in time.