in centuries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in centuries" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe spans of time measured in centuries (which are 100-year units). For example, "In centuries past, people traveled mostly by horse and carriage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One that maps time in centuries.

The New York Times

The reasons lie mainly in centuries past.

Independent

be measured in centuries, not in years.

Princeton University

"Rogue Nationalism". In Centuries' Ends, Narrative Means.

University of California, Berkeley

Some clients have changed little in centuries.

The Guardian

The custom hasn't changed in centuries.

The New York Times - Arts

That lifted, this night, for the first time in centuries".

The New York Times

Classical music thinks in centuries, not four-year terms.

The Guardian

Europe told time in centuries; America told time in eons.

The New York Times

We weren't private creatures in centuries past, either.

The Guardian

This could happen, not in centuries, but in years.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "in centuries" with verbs that suggest gradual development or lasting impact to emphasize the significance of the timeframe. For example, "Traditions have evolved in centuries, shaping cultural identities."

Common error

Avoid using "in centuries" when referring to changes or developments that have occurred within decades or a single century. This phrase emphasizes a much longer period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in centuries" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs and providing information about the timeframe in which an action occurs or a state exists. Ludwig confirms its function through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in centuries" is a versatile adverbial phrase primarily used to provide a sense of historical depth and long-term perspective. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions grammatically to modify verbs and indicate the timeframe of an action or state. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, though it is commonly found in news, media and academic writing. When writing, consider the nuances of meaning offered by related phrases like "over centuries" or "for centuries" to best convey your intended message. Also remember to avoid stating change where longer timeframes should be referred to. Overall, "in centuries" is a valuable tool for emphasizing duration and historical significance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over centuries

Changes the preposition to emphasize a duration rather than a point in time.

across centuries

Similar to "over centuries", highlighting a span of time.

for centuries

Indicates a duration extending over multiple centuries.

throughout centuries

Emphasizes continuity across many centuries.

down the centuries

Implies a progression through time, looking back from the present.

in the course of centuries

More formal and emphasizes the unfolding of events over a long period.

spanning centuries

Highlights the extent of something lasting for many centuries.

over long periods

Generalizes the timeframe to extended durations.

across extended timespans

Replaces "centuries" with a broader term for long durations.

throughout prolonged eras

Uses more formal language to convey a similar meaning.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "in centuries" in a sentence?

The phrase "in centuries" is used to indicate that something has occurred, developed, or remained unchanged over a period of several centuries. For example, "The method of crafting these instruments has not changed "in centuries"."

What are some alternatives to saying "in centuries"?

Alternatives include phrases like "over centuries", "across centuries", or "for centuries", each emphasizing the long duration involved.

Is it correct to say "in centuries" or "for centuries"?

Both "in centuries" and "for centuries" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "In centuries" emphasizes a point within a span of time, while "for centuries" emphasizes the duration itself.

What is the difference between saying "in centuries" and "in decades"?

The phrase "in centuries" refers to periods spanning hundreds of years, offering a broad historical perspective. In contrast, "in decades" refers to periods spanning tens of years, providing a more recent or contemporary timeframe. For example, "Cultural norms shifted rapidly "in decades"", compared to "Cultural foundations developed "in centuries"".