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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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As old as

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"as old as" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it to compare two objects or events with different ages. For example, "I've known him for as long as I can remember; he's as old as my dad!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In fact, it's as old as civilization.

News & Media

Huffington Post

"I'm as old as NATO.

News & Media

The New York Times

Tale as old as time".

News & Media

The New York Times

Persecution is as old as man.

Tiling is as old as Midwestern farming.

News & Media

The New York Times

A black Labrador as old as Methuselah.

News & Media

Independent

The type is as old as Hollywood.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Exorcism is as old as Christianity itself.

News & Media

The New York Times

Abortion is almost as old as childbirth.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Crime is as old as humanity, as old as storytelling.

It's as old as time.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "as old as" to draw comparisons that highlight the age or longevity of something in relation to another, making your descriptions more vivid and relatable.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "as old as" when comparing qualities other than age; ensure the comparison is relevant to the context and accurately reflects the similarity in age or duration. Ensure the thing you're comparing is actually old and not some other quality.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as old as" functions as a comparative correlative, linking two elements to indicate a similarity in age. It creates a relationship showing that something is equally aged in relation to another point of reference. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as old as" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to indicate that two subjects share a similar age or duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in a wide array of contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications, demonstrating its versatility and broad applicability. When using "as old as", ensure that you are comparing actual ages or durations, and avoid misusing it for other qualities. Consider alternatives like "just as ancient as" or "equally as old as" for slight variations in emphasis. With its widespread usage and clear meaning, "as old as" remains a reliable tool for conveying age comparisons effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "as old as" in a sentence?

You can use "as old as" to compare the age of two things, like in "This tradition is "as old as time"" or "The building is "as old as the city" itself".

What phrases are similar to "as old as"?

Similar phrases include "just as ancient as", "equally as old as", or "comparable in age to". The choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "as old as than"?

No, it is incorrect. The correct phrase is "as old as". The word "than" is used in comparative sentences with "older", not with the "as...as" structure.

What’s the difference between "as old as" and "older than"?

"As old as" indicates that two things have the same age or are of similar age. "Older than" indicates that one thing is of greater age than another. For example, "He is "as old as" his brother" means they are the same age, while "He is older than his brother" means he is the elder of the two.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: