such an old

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "such an old" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very old or to emphasize the age of an object or person. Example: "She has such an old book that it’s falling apart at the seams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

It's such an old weapon.

Independent

And I'm such an old lady.

The New York Times

"It's such an old story.

The Guardian - Arts

She's such an old warrior.

The Guardian - Books

"It's such an old, sturdy building," he said through tears.

The New York Times

Jimmy said that it wasn't such an old person.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

It was such an old-school insult.

The Guardian - Books

"I think it's because he's such an old-movie buff".

The New York Times

"Why did he have to do it in such an old-fashioned way?

The New York Times

It seems such an old-fashioned thing to be interested in.

The Guardian - Music

"It's such an old-fashioned recipe that the measurements and weights are totally different.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "such an old" to emphasize the age of something in a descriptive context. For example, "The museum displayed such an old artifact."

Common error

Avoid using "such an old" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language may be appropriate. Consider using phrases like "of considerable age" or "remarkably aged" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such an old" functions primarily as a pre-modifier, intensifying the age of a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, adding emphasis to the described entity's age.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "such an old" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to emphasize the age of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely accepted and appears across various contexts, most commonly in news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and desired level of formality, as it might be less suitable for highly formal or scientific writing where more precise language may be preferred. Alternatives like "so ancient" or "remarkably aged" may be more appropriate in those situations. Overall, "such an old" is a versatile and effective way to convey the significance of age in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so ancient

Highlights extreme age, often referring to historical or prehistoric times.

incredibly ancient

Emphasizes the extreme and almost unbelievable age of something.

extremely aged

Stresses the high degree of age.

so aged

Emphasizes the advanced age of something, often implying a distinguished quality.

surprisingly old

Expresses unexpected age.

so antiquated

Implies that something is outdated and no longer useful or relevant.

remarkably aged

Highlights the surprising or notable age of something.

so venerable

Suggests that something is respected because of its age and history.

of considerable age

Formally indicates substantial age.

so time-worn

Describes something that shows the effects of age and use.

FAQs

How can I use "such an old" in a sentence?

You can use "such an old" to describe something with notable age. For example, "It's "such an old building" it must be full of stories."

What are some alternatives to "such an old"?

Alternatives include "so ancient", "so antiquated", or "so aged", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "such an old" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "such an old" is grammatically correct and widely used. Its appropriateness depends on context and desired formality. In highly formal contexts, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "of considerable age".

What's the difference between "such an old" and "so old"?

"Such an old" is often used to express surprise or emphasis regarding age, whereas "so old" is a more straightforward description. For example, "It's "such an old car", I'm surprised it still runs!" versus "The car is so old."