all these years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “all these years” is correct and usable in written English and it has a number of applications.
For example, you can use it to express the length of time something has been going on: “We have been together for all these years.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was just dying all these years.

The New York Times

From Still Crazy After All These Years.

Stanford University

Still Horny After All These Years.

The New York Times - Books

"He's kept me alive all these years".

The New York Times - Health

"He's been a composer all these years.

The New York Times - Arts

"We waited with impatience all these years.

The New York Times

After all these years.

The New Yorker

"Not after all these years.

The New York Times - Sports

Even after all these years.

The New York Times - Sports

Comfortably all these years.

Harvard University

Still a rebel after all these years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all these years", ensure the context clearly establishes the period being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify the start date or event that marks the beginning of the time frame.

Common error

Avoid using "all these years" without a clear reference point. Without context, the phrase becomes vague and loses its impact. Always ensure your audience understands which years you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all these years" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating a period of time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all these years" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the duration of time. Ludwig AI affirms its appropriate usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing a clear reference point for the timeframe. Alternatives include "over the years" and "for all this time". Remember to avoid ambiguity by clearly defining the years being referenced. This phrase can effectively add depth and emotion to your writing when used correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for all this time

Emphasizes the entire duration without specific breaks or changes.

throughout these years

Highlights a continuous experience or condition over the specified period.

over the years

A more general way to refer to a period spanning multiple years.

during this time

Focuses on a specific period that has already been defined.

in all this time

Similar to "for all this time" but may carry a stronger sense of surprise or disbelief.

during the intervening years

Highlights the time between two specific events.

in the course of these years

Suggests a process or development occurring across the years.

these past years

Emphasizes that the years are recent and have just concluded.

all through the years

Stresses that something persisted consistently.

for many years now

Highlights the length of time and its continuation to the present.

FAQs

How can I use "all these years" in a sentence?

You can use "all these years" to express a duration of time, for example: "After "all this time", they finally met", or "He's been waiting for this opportunity "all these years"."

What are some alternatives to "all these years"?

Some alternatives to "all these years" include phrases such as "over the years", "for all this time", or "throughout these years", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "after all these year" (singular)?

No, it is incorrect to say "after all these year". The phrase should always be "after all these years" because "years" is plural, indicating a duration of more than one year.

How does the meaning of "all these years" change with different prepositions?

The meaning of "all these years" remains consistent, but the preposition can change the emphasis. "After "all these years"" emphasizes a result. "For "all these years"" emphasizes duration. "Throughout "all these years"" emphasizes continuity.