another three years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "another three years" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an additional period of three years beyond what has already been mentioned or experienced. Example: "After completing my degree, I decided to pursue further studies, which will take another three years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Another three years".

The New York Times

That ambivalence persisted for another three years.

The New York Times

" 'I probably won't last another three years.

The New York Times

That would take another three years.

The New York Times - Tech

They wouldn't return for another three years.

The Guardian - Music

It just signed him to another three years.

The New York Times

But the second billion took only another three years.

The Economist

He stayed at the unsettled Treasury for another three years.

The Guardian

"I'd have to renew for another three years.

The Guardian - Sport

Otherwise, she would have to wait another three years.

The New York Times

It was another three years before the play finally opened.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing future plans or projections, use "another three years" to clearly define an additional timeframe. For instance, "The project is expected to continue for another three years".

Common error

Ensure the context clearly establishes the starting point when using "another three years". Without proper context, it may not be evident from which date the three-year period is being added.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "another three years" is as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, specifying a duration. It quantifies time, indicating a period extending for three years beyond a previously mentioned or understood point, as shown in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "another three years" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate an additional three-year period. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is versatile, fitting seamlessly into news reports, academic papers, and everyday conversations. While alternatives like "an additional three years" or "three more years" exist, the key is to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering its usage enhances clarity and precision in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an additional three years

This alternative emphasizes the additive nature of the time period.

three more years

This is a more concise and direct way of expressing the same duration.

a further three years

This alternative suggests a continuation of time, similar to the original phrase.

three subsequent years

This phrase highlights the sequential nature of the three-year period.

the next three years

This alternative focuses on the immediacy and future aspect of the time frame.

three years hence

This phrase offers a more formal or literary way to refer to the future three-year period.

in three years' time

This alternative emphasizes the passage of time until a future point.

three years from now

This phrase clearly specifies a future point three years from the present.

spanning three years

This alternative emphasizes the duration or the period covered by the three years.

over the next three years

This alternative underscores the progression and time frame.

FAQs

What does "another three years" mean?

The phrase "another three years" refers to an additional period of three years beyond the current or previously mentioned timeframe. It indicates a continuation or extension of time.

How can I use "another three years" in a sentence?

You can use "another three years" to specify the duration of a project, contract, or any other activity. For example, "The lease agreement is valid for "another three years"." You can also say "The lease agreement is valid for "an additional three years"".

What are some alternatives to "another three years"?

Alternatives to "another three years" include "three more years", "a further three years", or "an additional three years". The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "another three year" instead of "another three years"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. Since "three" indicates a plural quantity, the correct form is ""another three years"". The noun "year" must be in its plural form.