first time in two decades

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first time in two decades" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has not happened for a period of twenty years. Example: "This is the first time in two decades that the festival will be held in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

World trade flows are shrinking for the first time in two decades.

The New York Times

Gasoline purchases may drop this year for the first time in two decades.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fiscal year 2002, the economy shrank for the first time in two decades.

The New York Times

Pakistan has reintroduced rationing for the first time in two decades.

The Guardian

Agency proposal would update mammography regulations for the first time in two decades.

The Washington Post

The election for Mr. Thomas's seat resulted in a white majority City Council for the first time in two decades.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

This week, for the first time in two decades, the tomb of the Scipios has been reopened to the public (Via di Porta Sebastiano 9, www.060608.it).

The New York Times

This year, for the first time in two decades of wealth tracking, we counted more Indian than Japanese billionaires in our annual ranking of the world's wealthiest people.

Forbes

For the first time in two decades the Boston firm's funds failed last year to land among the top 25 asset gatherers, Strategic Insight figures.

Forbes

Guns N' Roses have reunited for the first time in two decades to play the Coachella festival in California this weekend.

The Guardian - Music

(This season, for the first time in two decades, no births have been recorded).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first time in two decades", ensure the context clearly establishes what specific event or situation is being referenced and why its reoccurrence is significant. This adds impact and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "first time in two decades" loosely. Be certain that the event genuinely hasn't occurred within the past twenty years; otherwise, the statement loses credibility and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first time in two decades" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates when something is happening, specifying that it is occurring after a twenty-year interval. Ludwig's examples show it's often used to highlight the novelty or significance of an event's recurrence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first time in two decades" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase to emphasize the infrequency or rarity of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various reputable sources like news media, encyclopedias and wikis. While appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, it's crucial to ensure the twenty-year time frame is accurate. Alternatives like "after a twenty-year absence" or "not seen in twenty years" can be used for similar effect. Remember to provide context and significance when employing this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

returning after two decades

Emphasizes the act of something or someone reappearing after twenty years.

once in twenty years

Highlights the infrequency of an event, occurring only once within a twenty-year timeframe.

not seen in twenty years

Emphasizes the visual absence of something for two decades.

re-emerging after two decades

Highlights the reappearance of something after a long period of obscurity.

new after twenty years

Emphasizes the novelty of an event after a twenty-year period.

following twenty years of no

Highlights the absence of something for twenty years before its occurrence.

after a twenty-year absence

Focuses on the return or reappearance of something after being absent for twenty years.

two decades since last

Focuses on the duration since the previous occurrence.

a twenty-year milestone

Highlights a significant event occurring after twenty years.

twenty years later

Indicates an event happening twenty years after a previous event.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "first time in two decades" to emphasize the long duration?

You could say "after a twenty-year absence" or "not seen in twenty years" to highlight the extended period.

Is it appropriate to use "first time in two decades" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in reputable sources like "The New York Times" and "The Guardian".

What's the difference between "first time in two decades" and "first time in twenty years"?

They are essentially interchangeable. "First time in two decades" is slightly more idiomatic, while "first time in twenty years" is more literal. Choose whichever sounds better in your context.

Can "first time in two decades" be used to describe a personal experience?

Yes, it can. For example, "This is the first time in two decades that I've visited my hometown."