a few decades

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few decades" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a period of time that spans several decades, typically indicating a range of two to four decades. Example: "The technology has evolved significantly over a few decades, transforming the way we communicate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It took hold a few decades later.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Or a few decades," she said, laughing.

The New York Times - Magazine

We'll know in a few decades.

The New York Times - Food

What a difference a few decades make.

The New York Times

The name dates a few decades.

The New York Times

Fast forward a few decades.

The New York Times - Food

Some dates back a few decades.

The Guardian

I remember that a few decades ago N.Y.U.

The New York Times

Indeed, just a few decades ago, who knew?

The New York Times - Arts

"A few decades ago these people were cultural pariahs.

The New York Times

A few decades ago they did, but now they don't.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few decades" to indicate a period of roughly 20 to 40 years. It is suitable for discussing trends, historical changes, or predictions spanning this timeframe.

Common error

Avoid using "a few decades" when you mean a shorter time, such as "several years", or a longer one, like "half a century". Be precise with your time references to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few decades" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a duration of time. It modifies verbs or clauses by specifying when something occurred or will occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few decades" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a period of approximately 20 to 40 years. As Ludwig AI indicates, its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific discussions. To maintain precision in writing, consider alternatives like "several decades" or "a couple of decades" based on the specific time frame you want to convey. While generally neutral in tone, ensure the duration aligns with your intended meaning to avoid misinterpretations. Remember that "a few decades" is plural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several decades

Emphasizes a slightly larger or less precise number of decades.

couple of decades

Specifically refers to two decades.

two or three decades

Provides a more specific range of time.

past few decades

Highlights that the decades are in the past.

recent decades

Focuses on the recency of the decades in question.

within decades

Indicates something will happen before the passing of a few decades.

in the coming decades

Refers to future decades.

over the decades

Implies a gradual change or development during the time.

a generation or two

Uses generational terms to define time.

twenty to forty years

Provides an approximate range in years.

FAQs

How can I use "a few decades" in a sentence?

Use "a few decades" to refer to a period spanning roughly 20 to 40 years. For example, "The climate has changed drastically in "a few decades"."

What is a synonym for "a few decades"?

Synonyms for "a few decades" include "several decades", "couple of decades", or "two or three decades".

Is it correct to say 'in a few decade' instead of "a few decades"?

No, the correct form is "a few decades". 'Decades' is plural because 'few' implies more than one decade.

What is the difference between "a few decades" and "many decades"?

"A few decades" refers to a shorter, more specific timeframe (approximately 20-40 years), while "many decades" implies a much longer, less precise period that could span 50 years or more.