throughout the ages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "throughout the ages" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to the vast span of time in which something has been happening or has been of importance. For example, "The legend of King Arthur has been celebrated throughout the ages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Violence... exists everywhere, and has throughout the ages.

The New York Times

Fashionable body sizes have changed throughout the ages.

The Guardian - Opinion

But what has passed in glory will shine throughout the ages!

The Guardian - Travel

The consolations of the losers throughout the ages: "some day, one day, we shall overcome".

The Guardian - Books

There is, however, one factor that unites the literary homeless throughout the ages: libraries.

The Guardian - Books

The story of the Amalekites has been used to justify genocide throughout the ages.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is certainly a connection people have commented on throughout the ages.

The Guardian - Music

Science and technology have played key roles in the success of economic development throughout the ages.

The Guardian

"It's my prerogative to see myself reflected everywhere throughout the ages".

The New York Times - Books

It is somehow reassuring to know that idiots and bores are the same throughout the ages.

The Guardian - Books

Look at the history of byelections throughout the ages - midterm governments tend to get a drubbing".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "throughout the ages" to emphasize the enduring nature or persistent relevance of a phenomenon. For instance, "The pursuit of knowledge has been valued "throughout the ages".

Common error

Avoid using "throughout the ages" when referring to relatively short time spans. It's best suited for discussions encompassing centuries or millennia, not just a few decades.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "throughout the ages" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the duration or historical context of an action or state. It specifies that something has occurred or been relevant across a significant span of time. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "throughout the ages" is a grammatically sound and widely used prepositional phrase that serves as an adverbial modifier. It conveys that an action or idea has persisted across a substantial period of time, often centuries or millennia. According to Ludwig, its usage is considered correct. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's best to reserve "throughout the ages" for situations where the duration truly spans a significant portion of history. For shorter timeframes, alternative phrases like "over time" or "historically" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throughout history

A more general term that encompasses all of recorded history.

in the course of history

Highlights the connection of an event or idea within the broader historical timeline.

over the centuries

Focuses on a span of hundreds of years, highlighting a historical timeframe.

for centuries

Emphasizes the duration of several centuries, a significant historical period.

from time immemorial

Suggests a very ancient origin, so old that it is beyond memory or record.

down the ages

An older, somewhat archaic way to indicate the passage of time.

over the eons

Implies a very long, almost immeasurable period of time.

across time

A simpler and more poetic way to say something happens during many eras.

across generations

Focuses on the impact or continuation of something through multiple family lineages or social groups.

historically

A concise adverb that refers to past events or long-term trends.

FAQs

How can I use "throughout the ages" in a sentence?

Use "throughout the ages" to describe something that has occurred or been significant across a long historical period. For instance, "Art has reflected societal values "throughout the ages".

What phrases are similar to "throughout the ages"?

Similar phrases include "throughout history", "over the centuries", and "across time". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "throughout the ages" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "throughout the ages" is more common in formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, phrases like "over time" or "historically" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "throughout the ages" and "in ancient times"?

"Throughout the ages" refers to a long span of time encompassing many eras, while "in ancient times" refers specifically to the distant past. You might say, "Philosophical ideas developed in ancient times have influenced thought "throughout the ages".