Use of "filthy" and "ancient"

Question

Dear native speakers of English,Can you please tell me the following:1. Can you say "The house was in a filthy condition"? 2. Can you use the adjective "ancient" for people (as in "My Grandpa is ancient"), or just for inanimate things? Thanks for your help!Judit

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi Judit,

Dear native speakers of English,

Can you please tell me the following:

1. Can you say "The house was in a filthy condition"? Yes, if you want to. Or you dould just say 'The house was filthy'.

2. Can you use the adjective "ancient" for people (as in "My Grandpa is ancient"), or just for inanimate things?
It can be used for people.

Used for a specific person, it often suggests informality, humour, and occasionally a lack of respect.

It's often used in a historical context, eg the ancient Brits, the ancient Greeks.

Best wishes, Clive

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymous1. Can you say "The house was in a filthy condition"?

Yes, but it's shorter just to say the house was filthy.

AnonymousCan you use the adjective "ancient" for people (as in "My Grandpa is ancient"), ...

Yes, as a joke, and not to their faces. I don't recommend using it for people in any other situation if you simply mean, without joking, very old.

CJ

Use of "filthy" and "ancient"

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions