decades apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decades apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two events, people, or things that are separated by a significant period of time, specifically decades. Example: "The two inventions were created decades apart, highlighting the evolution of technology over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Prison hunger strikes occur decades apart.

The Guardian - Opinion

So land manias have been rather infrequent, many decades apart.

The New York Times

The self-portraits are worlds — and decades — apart.

The New York Times

Trees the same size are often decades apart in age.

The New York Times

This describes well two of his finest novels, written more than three decades apart.

The Economist

She is still relevant and has two Grammy Awards four decades apart to prove it.

The New York Times

Newcomers' Club members' experiences are strikingly similar -- even if they occurred decades apart.

The New York Times

Look at these two photographs taken decades apart, he says, the man looks exactly the same.

The New York Times

Perhaps his most visible accomplishments in the Senate came two decades apart.

The New York Times

And how could the same director present both notions with equal conviction, two decades apart?

The New York Times

All these movies pass each other in orbit, sometimes decades apart.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decades apart", consider if the specific number of decades is relevant. If so, specify the number (e.g., "two decades apart"). If not, "decades apart" works well as a general descriptor.

Common error

Avoid using "decades apart" when the actual time difference is only a few years. The phrase implies a more significant temporal gap than a mere handful of years. If the time difference is less than 20 years, consider using "years apart" or specifying the exact number of years.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decades apart" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate a temporal separation spanning multiple decades. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decades apart" is a grammatically sound and widely used adverbial phrase that serves to highlight a substantial separation in time, typically spanning multiple decades. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal writing. While broadly applicable, it's crucial to ensure that the temporal gap is indeed significant to maintain accuracy. Alternative phrases like "generations removed" or "separate eras" can offer nuanced perspectives on the temporal relationship being described. Usage is common, particularly in news reporting and academic analyses, making it a valuable phrase for expressing temporal relationships with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separated by years

Uses a simpler, more direct way of indicating temporal separation.

generations removed

Emphasizes the familial or generational gap, rather than a strict time period.

separate eras

Highlights the distinct historical periods involved.

eras apart

Focuses on the separation being between distinct historical periods.

historical divide

Focuses on a significant separation from a historical perspective.

distinct periods

Emphasizes the differences between the timeframes in question.

long interval

Uses a more general term to describe the extended time.

significant time lapse

Highlights the passing of time as a notable factor.

distant times

A more poetic way to indicate a considerable temporal gap.

ages in between

A more figurative way of expressing a long separation in time.

FAQs

How do I use "decades apart" in a sentence?

You can use "decades apart" to describe events or items separated by multiple decades. For example, "The two inventions were created "decades apart", highlighting the evolution of technology." Or "The author wrote two novels "decades apart"".

What's the difference between "decades apart" and "years apart"?

"Decades apart" indicates a separation of several decades, suggesting a longer time span and potentially significant changes. "Years apart" is more general and can refer to any number of years, without necessarily implying a large time gap.

Can I use "decades apart" to describe people's ages?

Yes, you can use "decades apart" to describe the difference in age between two people. For example, "The two colleagues were "decades apart" in age, but they shared a common interest in the project." However, avoid using this phrase if the age difference is less than two decades.

What are some alternative phrases to "decades apart"?

Depending on the specific context, alternatives could include "generations removed", "separate eras", or "significant time lapse". Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific kind of separation you want to emphasize.