times ago

USAGE SUMMARY

"times ago" is not a correct or commonly used phrase in written English.
It may be better to use "a while ago" or "a few times in the past." Example: "I went to Paris a few times in the past."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Level 4 is four times ago.

The New York Times - Magazine

For Level 3, you have to remember where it was three times ago.

The New York Times - Magazine

Created to test working memory, the N-back challenges users to keep track of a continuously updated list and remember which item appeared "n" times ago.

The New York Times

So, for example, at the 3-back level, you would press one button on the keyboard if you recall that a spoken letter is the same one that was spoken three times ago, while simultaneously pressing another key if the square on the screen is in the same place as it was three times ago.

The New York Times - Magazine

Asked which Indian dishes he hoped to sample while in the country, he replied: "The last time I came I had some fantastic food, and two times ago I came here to Mumbai and had some particularly good food.

Independent

But taking interventions like that, or things like shape [INAUDIBLE] training that I talked about a couple times ago, where you just give kids a little bit of experience, a couple of objects organized by shape for a few weeks, a couple of pairs of objects, but that's enough to then again given them the second order generalization.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Long time ago".

The New Yorker

"A long time ago".

The New York Times

NEIL: A long time ago.

The New Yorker

Kouachi:  A long time ago.

Independent

That was all a long time ago.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "times ago" in formal writing. Opt for clearer alternatives like "a while ago", "some time ago", or specify the time frame (e.g., "three years ago").

Common error

The phrase "times ago" can sound awkward or incorrect in professional or academic writing. Overusing it may make your writing seem unpolished. Consider using phrases such as "in the past", "previously", or a more specific time frame instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "times ago" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating when something occurred in relation to the present. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this is not a correct or commonly used phrase in written English. It's often used incorrectly in place of clearer alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "times ago" appears in various sources, it is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, better alternatives like "a while ago", "some time ago", or specifying the timeframe with "years ago" are recommended for clarity and correctness. The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier but is best confined to informal contexts or specific technical uses like the N-back test. When in doubt, choose a more conventional alternative to ensure your writing is polished and professional. "Times ago" is uncommon, so steer away from it in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a while ago

This alternative is a general expression indicating that something happened in the past, without specifying the exact number of instances.

some time ago

This alternative indicates that something happened in the past, but with a slightly more formal tone than "a while ago".

a long time ago

This alternative indicates that a significant amount of time has passed since something happened.

in the past

This alternative is a general phrase that indicates something occurred at an unspecified time before the present.

previously

This alternative suggests that something happened before the current moment or situation.

earlier

This alternative indicates that something occurred at an earlier point in time relative to something else.

before now

This alternative emphasizes that something happened at any point before the present.

in former times

This alternative refers to a period in the past, often implying a contrast with the present.

in days gone by

This alternative is an idiomatic expression that refers to the past, often with a nostalgic tone.

years ago

This alternative specifies a period of time in the past measured in years.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "times ago"?

Better alternatives include "a while ago", "some time ago", "in the past", or specifying the time frame like "years ago".

Is it grammatically correct to say "times ago"?

While occasionally used, "times ago" is not considered standard English. It's generally better to use more conventional phrases for clarity and correctness.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "times ago"?

The phrase might be acceptable in very informal contexts or specific technical applications like the N-back test, but it's best to avoid it in formal or professional settings.

How can I specify a time in the past more clearly than using "times ago"?

Use specific timeframes like "years ago", "months ago", or "days ago". For less precise references, use "recently" or "previously".