they are old

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are old" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the age of people, objects, or things in a straightforward manner. Example: "The books on the shelf are fascinating, but they are old and fragile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are old," he said.

The New York Times

They are old, traditional institutions".

The New York Times

"They are old school.

The Guardian - Sport

They are old and they are young.

The New Yorker

They are old friends, Americans.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are old, run-down and inefficient.

The New York Times

They are old and/or sick.

The New Yorker

Some say they are old stocks kept by banks.

The Economist

They are old agents (eg haloperidol, amitriptyline, benzodiazepines…) with the exception of methylphenidate (hyperactivity).

L'Encéphale

All this before they are old enough to drink.

The New York Times - Style

To shoot someone just because they are old?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing people, consider using more specific terms like "elderly" or "senior" for respectful and accurate communication.

Common error

Avoid using "they are old" when a more descriptive term would provide better context. For example, instead of saying "they are old machines", specify "they are outdated and inefficient machines."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are old" functions as a declarative statement, attributing the quality of being old to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is a simple and direct way to express age or obsolescence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are old" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote age or obsolescence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage. While versatile, consider context-specific alternatives for enhanced precision and formality. Be mindful of potential overgeneralization and strive for clarity when communicating the specific nature of what is being described. Remember to consider more specific and polite phrasing for people. Using more descriptive terms such as "they are aged" or "they are elderly" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are aged

Focuses on the process of aging, similar to "they are old".

they are aging

Highlights the ongoing process of becoming old.

they are ancient

Emphasizes a great age, implying a historical or long-standing quality.

they are senior

Implies a higher rank or position due to age or experience.

they are mature

Suggests a developed or seasoned state, often used for people or products.

they are antiquated

Emphasizes being outdated or no longer in use.

they are outdated

Directly indicates something is no longer current or relevant.

they are time-worn

Highlights the effects of time on something, suggesting wear and tear.

they are long-standing

Focuses on the duration of existence or establishment.

they are seasoned

Suggests extensive experience or prolonged use.

FAQs

How can I use "they are old" in a sentence?

You can use "they are old" to describe the age of a group of people, objects, or ideas. For instance, "They are old friends, and we've known each other for years" or "They are old buildings that need renovation".

What's a more formal way to say "they are old"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "they are elderly", "they are senior citizens", or "they are of advanced age". If referring to objects or systems, use "they are antiquated" or "they are outdated".

Which is more appropriate, "they are old" or "they are aged"?

Both "they are old" and "they are aged" are grammatically correct, but "they are aged" is slightly more formal and often used when referring to objects, like wine or cheese, that have undergone a specific aging process. You could also consider the phrase "they are aging".

What are some alternative phrases to "they are old" that don't directly mention age?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "they are experienced", "they are well-established", or "they are time-tested". When referring to objects, consider "they are classic" or "they are vintage".