the distant past

USAGE SUMMARY

"the distant past" is a correct and common phrase used in written English.
It refers to a time in the past that is far away or long ago. Example: "In order to understand the present, we must first look to the distant past and learn from history's lessons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Smith has turned to the distant past.

The Guardian - Books

But that is in the distant past.

The New York Times - Sports

And so on into the distant past.

The New York Times - Science

Chapter 3. Who's Afraid of the Distant Past?

University of Pennsylvania

Mars had surface water in the distant past.

University of California, Berkeley

I am not just talking the distant past.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes, those "priors" can be from the distant past.

The Economist

And science by Muslims was great in the distant past".

Independent

The arrangement was the distant past, upside-down.

The New York Times - Arts

In the distant past it was far worse.

The New York Times

Still, that all seemed in the distant past this weekend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "the distant past", provide specific context to help your audience understand the time period you're referencing. This can involve mentioning specific dates, eras, or events.

Common error

Don't assume your readers share your understanding of "the distant past". Always provide specific details to avoid ambiguity. For instance, avoid sweeping statements like "Life was simpler in the distant past" without elaborating on which period and aspect of life you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the distant past" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, referring to a period of time that is far removed from the present. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, indicating events, conditions, or aspects of life from earlier eras.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.01%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the distant past" is a versatile noun phrase commonly used to refer to a period of time far removed from the present. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While generally neutral in register, its effectiveness relies on providing specific context to avoid ambiguity. To enhance clarity, consider using alternative phrases like "ancient times" or "bygone era" depending on the desired nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "the distant past" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ancient times

Focuses on a period very long ago, often associated with early civilizations.

bygone era

Emphasizes that the period is over and gone.

historical times

Highlights the period's significance in history.

remote antiquity

Stresses the remoteness and age of the period.

the olden days

Suggests a simpler, more traditional time.

time immemorial

Indicates a period so long ago it's beyond memory.

days of yore

Evokes a sense of nostalgia and old-fashioned charm.

past centuries

Specifically refers to events that happened hundreds of years ago.

the early ages

Highlights the beginning stages of history or a specific era.

a long time ago

Simple, general way of referring to the past.

FAQs

How can I use "the distant past" in a sentence?

You can use "the distant past" to refer to a period long ago, as in "Archaeologists study artifacts from "the distant past" to understand ancient civilizations".

What are some alternatives to "the distant past"?

Alternatives include "ancient times", "bygone era", or "historical times", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in the distant past" or "from the distant past"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "in "the distant past"" is more common when referring to a time period, while "from "the distant past"" is used to describe something originating from that time.

What is the difference between "the distant past" and "ancient history"?

"The distant past" is a general term for a time long ago. "Ancient history" specifically refers to the study of recorded human history from the earliest times to the end of antiquity. You can use "the distant past" when you don't refer only to recorded history.