centuries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "centuries" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a period of one hundred years or to discuss historical events or changes over long time spans. Example: "The architectural style of the building has evolved over the centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Merchants have walked the route for centuries, but now the first handful of tourists are discovering this unique trek, known as the Chadar.

The Guardian - Travel

His tally of 486 runs in eight innings in the tournament, at an average of more than 60 and a strike rate of 87, is second only to Glamorgan's Jacques Rudolph, and has included half-centuries in the quarter and semi-final victories over Essex and Kent respectively, as well as two centuries during the group stage.

The Guardian - Sport

More than two-and-a-half centuries on it has grown into a small, thriving, officially bilingual city, currently bracing itself for another fierce battle between French and English invaders.

The Guardian - Sport

These were fortified settlements, established by various rulers between the 11th and 17th centuries, now swallowed by the sprawling city of today.

The Guardian

The comments, and the backlash against them, illustrate how a tormented racial history dating back centuries is in constant tension with the aspiration of a "rainbow nation".

The Guardian

Debrett's etiquette guide has for centuries provided the rules for handling ticklesome social situations, such as not knowing how to address an envelope to the widow of an earl ("The Dowager Countess of Wherever" should do it, FYI).

The Guardian - Music

The first English ground to stage international football in three different centuries.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Most of those caricatures came out of England in the 18th and 19th centuries, though their victims in the lesser nations often adopted them enthusiastically.

The Guardian - Opinion

So one of our concerns was what many politely call 'climate justice' but can be put more bluntly as the easy privilege of the developed world in calling for an end to fossil fuel use after we have used them for centuries to ensure the supply of our basic needs and power our economic growth.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The nightwatchman Bryan Strang was soon dismissed as he tried to strike Tufnell down the ground but adventurous half-centuries from Waller and Whittall carried the fight impressively.

The Guardian - Sport

"From Hell, Hull and Halifax, good Lord deliver us," pleaded a 17th-century verse that helped colour Britain's view of the city for the next four centuries.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "centuries" to provide a sense of historical depth or to emphasize gradual change over long periods. For instance, "Traditions evolved over the centuries."

Common error

Avoid using "centuries" when "decades" or "years" would be more accurate. Ensure the time frame genuinely spans multiple centuries to maintain precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "centuries" is as a plural noun, typically used as an adverbial of time to indicate a period spanning multiple centuries. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and frequent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Travel

15%

Opinion

12%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Books

6%

Lifestyle

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "centuries" functions as a plural noun signifying multiple periods of one hundred years. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media, travel writing, and opinion pieces. Its primary purpose is to establish a sense of historical duration or evolution. When using "centuries", ensure the context genuinely involves multiple centuries to avoid inaccuracies. Consider alternatives like "hundreds of years" or "long periods" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. "Centuries" is a versatile term for discussing long-term trends and historical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hundreds of years

Replaces "centuries" with a more direct numerical reference, emphasizing the quantity of years.

multiple decades

Focuses on periods of ten years, implying a long span of time without explicitly stating it.

long periods

A general term indicating extended durations, suitable when the specific length is not crucial.

extended eras

Implies significant historical or cultural periods, rather than merely time spans.

historical epochs

Highlights major divisions in history, often marked by specific events or characteristics.

ages past

A more poetic and less precise way to refer to bygone times.

over the ages

Emphasizes the cumulative effect or changes occurring throughout history.

for generations

Focuses on the impact across family lines and inherited traditions.

throughout history

Highlights the entire recorded past, often in the context of recurring themes or patterns.

since time immemorial

Refers to a point in the distant past beyond memory or record, emphasizing ancient origins.

FAQs

How do I use "centuries" in a sentence?

Use "centuries" to refer to periods of one hundred years. For example, "The castle has stood for "centuries"" or "Cultural changes occurred over the "centuries"".

What is a synonym for "centuries"?

Alternatives include "hundreds of years", "ages", or "long periods of time". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'in the recent centuries'?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, phrases like "in recent "decades"" or "in the last few "years"" might be more precise depending on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between 'centuries' and 'millennia'?

"Centuries" refers to periods of one hundred years, while "millennia" refers to periods of one thousand years. Thus, "millennia" denotes a much longer time span than "centuries".