for more than

USAGE SUMMARY

"for more than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a period of time. For example, "I have been learning Spanish for more than ten years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is time for more than hints.

The Economist

"I have come for more than politics.

Independent

For more than 15 years, I competed.

The New York Times

They negotiated for more than a year.

The Economist

Who could ask for more than that?

The New York Times

They talked for more than an hour.

The New York Times - Sports

That goes for more than just abortion.

The New Yorker

"Those living for more than 70 years".

The New York Times

They had asked for more than 20%.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They vanished for more than eight years.

The New York Times

He stayed for more than seven years.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for more than" to indicate time, ensure the duration is clearly defined. For example, "The meeting lasted for more than two hours" is clearer than "The meeting lasted for more than a while."

Common error

Avoid using "for more than" with non-countable nouns when you mean 'much more'. For example, instead of saying "There is for more than water in the lake", say "There is much more water in the lake."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for more than" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. It is used to indicate that a quantity, amount, or duration exceeds a certain specified limit. Ludwig examples show it being used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for more than" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express that a quantity, amount, or duration exceeds a certain point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and formal business communications. While alternatives like "over" or "exceeding" exist, "for more than" offers a neutral tone suitable for various situations. When employing this phrase, clarity is key—ensure the duration or quantity is clearly defined. Keep in mind misuse with non-countable nouns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over

Shorter, more informal way to indicate a quantity or duration is surpassed.

exceeding

Single word alternative; less specific about the margin of exceeding.

longer than

Specifically refers to duration, often used with time periods.

past

Indicates moving beyond a temporal or numerical boundary.

in excess of

More formal and emphasizes the amount by which something is exceeded.

beyond

Highlights that something goes past a limit, often used metaphorically.

in excess

Alternative with similar meaning; less formal.

greater than

More mathematical, suitable for comparisons of numerical values.

surpassing

Implies surpassing a certain level, achievement, or expectation.

at least

Expresses a minimum threshold is met or exceeded.

FAQs

How can I use "for more than" in a sentence?

Use "for more than" to indicate a quantity or duration that exceeds a specified amount. For example, "I've worked here for more than five years" or "The project cost for more than a million dollars".

What are some alternatives to using "for more than"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "exceeding", "over", or "in excess of".

Is there a difference between "over" and "for more than"?

"Over" is generally more informal and can be used interchangeably with "for more than" in many contexts, such as time or quantity. However, "for more than" may be preferred when a higher degree of precision or formality is desired.

When is it inappropriate to use "for more than"?

Avoid using "for more than" when you intend to express a preference or desire for something additional; in these cases, use "more than" instead. For instance, "I want more than just an apology".