for multiple years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for multiple years" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a period of time that covers more than one year. For example, "He has been working at the company for multiple years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We've seen for multiple years now leaders fall back.

The New York Times

(Cash taxes may include payments for multiple years).

The New York Times

Your article rightly celebrates the "innovation" of looping: students having the same teacher for multiple years.

The New York Times

"We're going to be dealing with Zika for multiple years," Rubio said.

The Guardian

And many of those people have remained unemployed for multiple years after the financial crisis of 2008.

The New York Times

Tuition may be paid annually or prepaid for multiple years, which may appeal to grandparents who are in poor health.

The New York Times

Kyobo, the largest bookstore in South Korea, keeps a list of the top two thousand "steady-sellers," books that have sustained strong sales for multiple years.

The New Yorker

"At this point, I don't even know if the foundation has that much in their bank account for one year, much less for multiple years".

The New York Times

Similarly, many marketing deals are locked in for multiple years and, during recent good times, leagues have booked substantial gains from digital media and other sources.

The New York Times

"To have personal experience with guys that have pitched well for multiple years in a row, you can tap back into those discussions," Farrell said.

The New York Times - Sports

She also suggested that the women's Final Four could be held in the same city for multiple years, as baseball's College World Series is played annually in Omaha.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the continuation of a situation or activity, using "for multiple years" clearly conveys that it has lasted beyond a single year. Use this phrase to highlight the sustained duration.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on phrases like "for a long time" when you can provide more precise information. Using "for multiple years" adds clarity and specificity to the duration you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for multiple years" functions as an adverbial phrase of duration, modifying a verb or clause to specify the length of time something occurs. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for multiple years" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase indicating an extended duration. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and widely applicable. It is commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts and has a neutral register making it suitable for various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure it adds clarity and avoids vague timeframe. Alternative phrases like "over several years" can be used for variety while maintaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over several years

This alternative focuses on the 'several' aspect, implying a duration that is not precisely defined but longer than a few years.

across numerous years

Using "numerous" emphasizes a large quantity of years.

during many years

This alternative is more general and emphasizes the duration throughout a period of many years.

spanning multiple years

"Spanning" suggests the duration covers or includes several years.

for a number of years

This emphasizes an unspecified quantity of years, implying more than just a couple.

over a period of years

This phrase is more descriptive and general, indicating a length of time involving multiple years.

in the course of several years

This phrase is more formal and implies a process or change happening over time.

throughout the years

This phrase suggests a continuous or repeated action or condition that has occurred over the years.

year after year

This alternative highlights the repetition of the event over consecutive years.

on a multi-year basis

This alternative is more formal and suggests a planned or structured activity over a duration of multiple years.

FAQs

How can I use "for multiple years" in a sentence?

You can use "for multiple years" to describe the duration of an event, activity, or state. For example, "The company has been profitable "for multiple years"".

What are some alternatives to "for multiple years"?

Alternatives include "over several years", "across numerous years", or "during many years", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "for multiple years" or "for several years"?

Both "for multiple years" and "for several years" are correct and often interchangeable. "Multiple" emphasizes that there's more than one year, while "several" suggests more than a few, but not necessarily many. The best choice depends on the context and the specific emphasis you want to convey.

Can I use "for multiple years" to describe future events?

Yes, you can use "for multiple years" to describe planned future events or commitments. For example, "The project is expected to continue "for multiple years"".