a good two decades

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good two decades" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a period of approximately twenty years, often implying that it was a significant or substantial amount of time. Example: "The company has been in operation for a good two decades, establishing itself as a leader in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Yet North Korea's weapons tinkering goes back a good two decades or more.

The Economist

Today, at 74, Ms. Smith looks a good two decades younger than her age and reveals a frisky imagination.

The New York Times - Arts

The Hollywood Hills are alive with the sound of music, with songs they have sung, well, if not for a thousand years, for a good two decades.

Independent

Numerous academic courses, among them Swain's intensive two-year one, were set up in response – although, typically, it took a good two decades for things to begin changing.

The Guardian

Yet despite the murkier aspects of Gavilan's career, a good two decades before Muhammad Ali introduced the "Ali Shuffle", the Cuban was treating spectators to similarly flamboyant showmanship - even incorporating his own dance routine into his fights.

The Guardian

The notion of otherness implicit in the term "black dance" insures that it has remained a loaded and highly controversial concept a good two decades or more after it was coined.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

+ "THEY WROTE THAT?" Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil have written pop hits for a good three decades.

The New York Times

One virtue of the 1960s: the dreadful term "staycation" was a good four decades from being coined.

Independent

It's startling to realize that she anticipated that all-pervasive trend by a good three decades.

The New York Times - Arts

But for a good three decades after that, moving from movies to TV was considered slumming it, a suicidal burning of one's bridges.

The Guardian - Film

Yet the impasse still blocks the resumption of proper relations between Morocco and Algeria, which has long backed Polisario.For a good three decades, the UN has been trying to arrange a deal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a good two decades", consider the context. It's suitable for general discussions where precise accuracy isn't critical. For scientific or formal writing, consider using "approximately twenty years" or a more specific timeframe.

Common error

Avoid using "a good two decades" when the exact number of years is crucial or significantly impacts the information being conveyed. In such cases, provide the precise number of years or a more accurate range.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good two decades" functions as an adverbial modifier of time, indicating a duration of approximately twenty years. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression is suitable for general context and conversational situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a good two decades" is a common and acceptable way to refer to a period of approximately twenty years. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for general contexts, particularly in news and media. However, for scientific or formal writing, it's advisable to use more precise alternatives like "approximately twenty years". When writing, remember that this phrase implies an approximation and should be avoided when accuracy is crucial. Finally, "a good two decades" is appropriate for a neutral register, making it versatile for various communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about two decades

A more concise and common way to express the same timeframe.

approximately twenty years

Replaces the idiomatic "good" with a more precise term.

around twenty years

Similar to "approximately twenty years" but slightly less formal.

two full decades

Emphasizes the completion of the two decades.

nearly twenty years

Suggests the period is close to, but not quite, twenty years.

a solid two decades

Emphasizes the continuous and substantial nature of the period.

two decades or so

Adds a sense of approximation and informality.

a couple of decades

More informal and implies a rough estimate.

a score of years

Uses "score" (meaning twenty) for a slightly more literary effect.

in the vicinity of twenty years

More formal and emphasizes an estimated timeframe.

FAQs

How can I use "a good two decades" in a sentence?

You can use "a good two decades" to refer to a period of approximately twenty years. For example, "The company has been a leader in the industry for "a good two decades"".

What can I say instead of "a good two decades"?

You can use alternatives like "approximately twenty years", "about two decades", or "nearly twenty years" depending on the context.

Is "a good two decades" formal or informal?

"A good two decades" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, use "approximately twenty years".

What's the difference between "a good two decades" and "exactly twenty years"?

"A good two decades" implies an approximation, while "exactly twenty years" indicates a precise duration.