for over decades

USAGE SUMMARY

"for over decades" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has been occurring or existing for a long period of time. For example, "This family-run restaurant has been serving delicious meals for over decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Opposition among socialist MPs has mounted as rights fought for over decades have been stripped away.

The Guardian

Those costs were to be accounted for over decades, resulting in a big hit to earnings each year.

The New York Times

The agreement reflected the principles Mr Hume had stood for over decades, it said, while Mr Trimble had shown great courage at a critical stage.

The Economist

But when it comes to the stories of his patients, many of whom he cared for over decades, from clinic to hospital to funeral, Dr. Ansell soars.

The New York Times - Health

Authors are associated with the Instrumentation System of Power Plants for over decades and are still in touch with modern technology.

Power Plant Instrumentation and Control Handbook A Guide to Thermal Power Plants

I see in this bill the potential for the Coalition to do the same: erase the case precedents fought for over decades by patients and charities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

He was a revered friend for over three decades.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This stabilization problem has been unsolved for over two decades.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

FOR over three decades Iran and America have been blood enemies.

The Economist

He's broken our immigration laws for over two decades.

The New York Times

Practiced law in New York City for over three decades.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for over decades", ensure the context clearly indicates a period longer than 20 years. If precision is needed, specify the exact number of decades or years.

Common error

Do not use "for over decades" when a shorter timeframe is more accurate or relevant. For example, avoid saying "the project was delayed for over decades" if the actual delay was closer to a single decade or just several years.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for over decades" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It specifies the duration of an action, state, or condition, indicating that it has persisted for a long time (more than 20 years). Ludwig examples show this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for over decades" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that has lasted for more than 20 years, as validated by Ludwig. It functions as an adverbial phrase and appears frequently in news, science, and academic contexts. While generally neutral in register, precision is key: specify the exact duration if needed. If looking for alternatives to "for over decades", consider phrases like "spanning several decades" or "across multiple decades" to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spanning several decades

This alternative uses the verb 'spanning' to emphasize the time period covered.

across multiple decades

This alternative uses 'across' to provide a sense of time passing.

for many decades

This simplifies the phrase while maintaining the core meaning of a long duration.

over the course of decades

This alternative emphasizes the process and timeline involved.

throughout numerous decades

This alternative uses 'throughout' to highlight continuous presence.

covering decades

This version is more concise and focuses on the extent of time.

extending for decades

This alternative stresses the prolonged duration.

lasting for decades

Focuses on the persistence of something over a long period.

decades-long

Uses an adjectival form to describe something that has lasted for decades.

in the decades since

This indicates a period starting some decades ago and continuing to the present.

FAQs

How do you use "for over decades" in a sentence?

You can use "for over decades" to describe something that has persisted or been in effect for a long time, such as, "The company has maintained its market leadership for over decades."

What can I say instead of "for over decades"?

You can use alternatives like "spanning several decades", "across multiple decades", or "for many decades" depending on the context.

Is it more accurate to say "for over decades" or "for decades"?

"For decades" is generally more concise and widely used. "For over decades" emphasizes a slightly longer or indefinite period, but might sound redundant. Choose based on the nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "for over decades" and "in recent decades"?

"For over decades" refers to a continuous period stretching back multiple decades from the present. "In recent decades" refers to a period within the last few decades but does not necessarily span the entire time.