Phrase
ancient times
noun
古代；远古时代
The period of history in the distant past, especially before the Middle Ages.
- 1.
Ancient history
古代历史。
古代历史。；上古
In use
People in ancient times believed that the earth was flat.
In ancient times, communication was much slower than today.
Many myths and legends originated in ancient times.
in ancient times
最常用的时间状语短语，描述过去的一般情况。
In ancient times, people used herbal medicine.
在上古时代，人们使用草药。
from ancient times
强调起源，常与传承类动词连用。
This tradition has been passed down from ancient times.
这个传统从上古时代传承至今。
since ancient times
表示从古代持续到现在的状态，多用于仍然存在的事物。
Since ancient times, humans have observed the stars.
自上古时代以来，人类一直观测星辰。
Common mistakes
In the ancient times, people used to hunt with spears.In ancient times, people used to hunt with spears.
“ancient times” 作为泛指远古时期的短语，前面通常不加定冠词 “the”。删除 “the” 后，表达更自然。
He lived at ancient times.He lived in ancient times.
表示时代或时期时，介词用 “in” 而非 “at”。“in ancient times” 是固定搭配。
Connections
Confusing words
- antiquity
- 古代 · antiquity指‘古代’时代，不特指‘上古’（更久远、更具神话色彩），ancient times更强调‘上古’这一具体阶段。
- olden times
- 往昔 · olden times常用于文学或怀旧语境，时间跨度大，不限于‘上古’。
Word family
- ancient
- 古老的 · adj
- anciently
- 在古代 · adv
- ancientness
- 古老 · n
- antiquity
- 古代 · n
Learner notes
Grammar Note
本短语以复数形式 times 出现。
Dictionary facts from WIKTIONARY.