during centuries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during centuries" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means "over a period of many centuries" or "throughout the course of several centuries." Example: "During centuries, civilizations have risen and fallen, leaving behind remnants of their customs and beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The cycle of hate, mistrust and fear fostered during centuries of inequality must be brought to a halt.

The New York Times

That heritage was long overlooked; key books and manuscripts were lost during centuries of occupation and destruction.

The New York Times - Arts

Many Estonians regard themselves as a stoic people who endured much worse during centuries of foreign domination.

The New York Times

They were disinterred during centuries when archaeological and anthropological approaches were far more cavalier than they are today.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a triangular conflict, reflecting the fiendish complexity of Bosnia-Herzegovina, an ethnic sump during centuries of imperial rivalries in the Balkans.

The Guardian

Many saw the young woman's story as a metaphor for what had happened to their country during centuries of human conquest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It has happened during the centuries many times, last time during the second World War.

Huffington Post

Authors during the centuries in between are also represented, complete with biographical data.

The New York Times

Nearly all were made during two centuries of the Italian Renaissance.

The New York Times - Arts

during the centuries, has any quest attracted more cranks?

Los Angeles Times

DURING the 20th century, a special glamour surrounded concert pianists.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "during centuries", ensure the context clearly indicates a period spanning multiple centuries. This phrase is most effective when describing long-term trends, cultural shifts, or historical developments.

Common error

Avoid using "during centuries" when referring to shorter durations like decades or single centuries. Opt for more appropriate phrases such as "during the last century" or "over the past few decades" for accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during centuries" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the time frame over which an action, event, or state occurred. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during centuries" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a time span encompassing multiple centuries. As noted by Ludwig, its primary function is to provide temporal context in academic, scientific, and journalistic writing. It's generally appropriate for formal and neutral registers, best suited for describing long-term developments. Common alternatives include "over centuries" and "throughout the centuries". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly warrants reference to a timeframe involving multiple centuries, as misusing it for shorter periods can lead to inaccuracies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over centuries

Emphasizes a period spanning multiple centuries.

throughout the centuries

Highlights a continuous action or condition lasting across centuries.

across the centuries

Similar to 'throughout', suggesting a spread or distribution over time.

for centuries

Indicates a duration measured in centuries.

in the course of centuries

More formal way to express a time frame lasting centuries.

spanning centuries

Highlights the act of extending or reaching across multiple centuries.

across ages

Refers to a very long period, though not necessarily quantified in centuries.

over generations

Focuses on the passing of time through family lineages.

for ages

An informal way to indicate a very long time.

throughout history

A broader term encompassing all of recorded time, not specifically centuries.

FAQs

How can I use "during centuries" in a sentence?

Use "during centuries" to describe events, changes, or traditions that have occurred or persisted over multiple centuries. For example, "During centuries, many civilizations have developed unique architectural styles."

What's a good alternative to "during centuries"?

Alternatives include "over centuries", "throughout the centuries", or "across the centuries", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "over the centuries" instead of "during centuries"?

Yes, "over the centuries" is a grammatically correct and semantically similar alternative to "during centuries". Both phrases indicate a period spanning multiple centuries.

What is the difference between "during centuries" and "for centuries"?

"During centuries" emphasizes a period in which something occurred, while "for centuries" stresses the duration. For example, "Innovations emerged during centuries of exploration" focuses on the period, while "This tradition has persisted for centuries" highlights the length of time.