by the third decade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by the third decade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific time frame, typically referring to the period of ten years after a certain point in time. Example: "By the third decade of the 21st century, significant advancements in technology are expected to reshape our daily lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive muscle disease characterized by increasing muscle weakness and death by the third decade.

Neuromuscular Disorders

By the third decade of the century Steadman was a successful and respected member of the community, partner in a lumberyard and drygoods business.

Princeton University

He continued to work for Xinhua, a task made easier by the country's reform and opening process and his own evolution; by the third decade of his career, he says, "I had my independent thinking and was telling the truth".

The Guardian

For example, we now know that by the third decade of life, we start to lose our brain cells every day.

HuffPost

"But if it is true that most entrepreneurs sell out near the top, and it is, then perhaps we have just been sent a signal by one of its masters that the dark arts of SEO have peaked and that the century's second decade will see them fade, perhaps into near nothingness by the third decade.

Huffington Post

Ossification occurs progressively over the course of a lifetime in an inevitable episodic and unpredictable manner with most patients being confined to a wheelchair by the third decade of life and requiring lifelong care.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

WD typically includes liver disease that appears in the second decade followed by neurological disorders in the third decade.

BioMed Research International

The practice was widespread in the Western world by the second decade of the 21st century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the first decade of the 17th century, Dutch ships were dominating the Baltic trade.

Britannica

Since the 1990s, the number of private universities had increased, exceeding 60 by the second decade of the 21st century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the first decade of the 19th century a thriving business in crime and execution broadsides had developed in England.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by the third decade", ensure the context clearly establishes the starting point from which the decade is being measured. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the specific timeframe being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "by the third decade" without a clear reference point. For example, stating "Advances occurred by the third decade" is unclear. Instead, specify "Advances occurred by the third decade of the 21st century" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the third decade" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating a timeframe or deadline. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's used to specify when an event is expected to occur or be completed, consistent with its usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by the third decade" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that defines a timeframe, usually 20 to 30 years from a defined starting point. As Ludwig AI analysis indicates, this phrase is most often found in formal contexts such as science, academic writing, and news reporting. To ensure clarity, always establish a reference point, and consider alternatives like "in the third decade" or "during the third decade" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Common errors can be avoided by providing explicit context. This analysis is based on a review of numerous real-world examples from reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the third decade

Replaces "by" with "in", shifting the focus from a deadline to a general timeframe.

during the third decade

Similar to "in the third decade", emphasizing occurrence within the period.

within the third decade

Highlights the period as a boundary or limit for an event.

before the end of the third decade

Adds emphasis on the deadline aspect, indicating something must happen before the decade concludes.

by the age of 30

Specifies a particular age instead of a decade, focusing on a milestone.

in one's late twenties

Refers to the later part of the third decade, adding a more specific timeframe.

during the years 20 to 30

Explicitly states the age range, providing a precise timeframe.

prior to turning 30

Highlights the age of 30 as a point of reference, suggesting an event occurs before this age.

before reaching thirty years old

Focuses on attaining the age of 30, implying events occur before this milestone.

in early adulthood

Broadly refers to the developmental stage encompassing the third decade.

FAQs

What does "by the third decade" mean?

The phrase "by the third decade" typically refers to the period between 20 and 30 years after a specific starting point. The starting point must be clearly defined for the phrase to be meaningful.

How can I use "by the third decade" in a sentence?

Use "by the third decade" to indicate that something will happen or be completed before the end of the third decade. For example: "The project is expected to be completed by the third decade of this century."

What are some alternatives to "by the third decade"?

You can use alternatives such as "in the third decade", "during the third decade", or "within the third decade" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "by the third decade" or "by the 2030s"?

The choice depends on the context. "By the third decade" is more general and requires a clear reference point. "By the 2030s" is more specific and refers to the years 2030-2039.