for numerous years

USAGE SUMMARY

'for numerous years' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has been happening for a long amount of time in the past. Example: That family has owned the same farm for numerous years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

We rarely take on applicants who have been applying for numerous years".

The Guardian

"I've played against Houston for numerous years and I've never known them to back down from any situation.

The New York Times - Sports

Her passion for people and love of learning found its way to Fordham University's Lincoln Center Campus, where she worked as an administrative assistant for numerous years and was treasured by many.

The New York Times

Quality function deployment (QFD) has been widely used for numerous years; it is one of the structured methodologies that are used to translate customer needs into specific quality development.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

Ownership stayed within the family, eventually transferring to Craig Thomas (one of Ron's two sons, both of whom worked in the restaurant for numerous years).

Wikipedia

But how do you go about finding a plot in an online video game that has existed for numerous years with a plethora of plots to consider?

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It will also be his first game at the Stadium since Major League Baseball issued a 211-game suspension for using those drugs over numerous years, and for obstructing baseball's investigation.

The New York Times - Sports

Some clubs in England, for example, have been around for over a hundred years, allowing numerous years to build a passionate fan base.

Huffington Post

Proponents of the free-fire theory say that while human lives and property should be protected, beyond that widespread wildfires should be viewed as necessary ecological events that reset the clock on a landscape to provide habitats for numerous species for years and even decades to come.

The New York Times - Science

"I've been winding down for a number of years for numerous reasons.

Independent

The answer is yes," Hank Sheinkopf, a political consultant who has worked for numerous Democrats over the years, including Bill Clinton, told me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for numerous years" to emphasize a prolonged duration with multiple occurrences or consistent conditions. This phrase is particularly effective when illustrating long-term trends, historical contexts, or extensive personal experience.

Common error

While "for numerous years" is grammatically sound, avoid overuse. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "for many years", "over several years", or more specific durations to prevent repetitive writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for numerous years" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses by indicating the duration of an action or state. It specifies a period of extended time characterized by multiple years. Ludwig confirms this usage, providing examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for numerous years" is a grammatically sound and relatively common adverbial phrase used to emphasize a prolonged period. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and applicability across diverse contexts. While phrases like "for many years" or "over several years" offer simpler alternatives, "for numerous years" effectively conveys a sense of long-term duration and consistency. It is most frequently found in news articles and scientific publications, suggesting a neutral and informative register. However, to avoid redundancy in writing, it is advisable to vary the phrasing with appropriate synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for many years

Employs a simpler synonym for "numerous", reducing the phrase's formality.

for several years

Indicates a period longer than a few, but less extensive than "numerous years".

over many years

Shifts the focus slightly to the process occurring throughout those years.

across numerous years

Highlights the distribution or spread of something throughout the years.

during numerous years

Emphasizes the time period in which something took place.

throughout numerous years

Stresses the continuity or duration of something across the years.

for a considerable time

Uses a more general term for the duration, lacking the precision of "years".

for a long duration

Replaces "years" with a broader term for time, altering the specificity.

over an extended period

Offers a more formal and less direct way of indicating a long time.

for countless years

Implies a very long, possibly immeasurable, amount of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "for numerous years" to describe something that has persisted or occurred over a long period. For example, "The company has been a leader in the industry "for numerous years"."

What phrases are similar to "for numerous years"?

Similar phrases include "for many years", "over several years", or "during a long time". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "for numerous years" or "for many years"?

Both "for numerous years" and "for many years" are correct. "For numerous years" may sound slightly more formal or emphatic, while "for many years" is generally more common.

Can I use "for numerous years" to talk about the future?

No, "for numerous years" refers to events or states that have already occurred or existed in the past. Use phrases like "for many years to come" to refer to the future.