more than three terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than three terms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quantity that exceeds three terms in a specific context, such as in mathematics, linguistics, or any other field where terms are counted. Example: "In this equation, we will consider more than three terms to ensure accuracy in our calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Mr. Thune has repeatedly promised to serve no more than three terms.

The New York Times

Mr. Nethercutt promised that if the voters sent him to Capitol Hill, he would serve no more than three terms.

The New York Times

She also might note that in modern times, no Wyoming senator has served more than three terms.

The New York Times

But rather than exploit his popularity, he is, at least for the moment, leaving politics, in keeping with a promise to serve no more than three terms.

The New York Times

He suggests that no one should be allowed more than three terms as either a deputy in parliament or a minister.

The Economist

Ms. Palin, a former mayor of an Anchorage suburb, was among many critics who said the move showed that Mr. Murkowski was arrogant and out of touch after decades as a top Alaska official, including more than three terms in the United States Senate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Trinomials: A second degree polynomial, named so because it has no more than three terms one raised to the second power, one to the first, and one without a variable.

WikiHow

Traditionally, no UN general secretary has served more than two terms, or 10 years.

The Guardian

He has pledged to serve no more than two terms if elected president.

The New York Times

Opposition groups say it is unconstitutional for Nkurunziza to run for more than two terms.

The Guardian

Changing that is going to take much more than two terms of Obama in the White House.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more than three terms", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes a 'term'. This is especially important in technical or mathematical writing to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether you are referring to algebraic terms, legislative terms, or something else entirely.

Common error

Avoid using "more than three terms" without specifying what the 'terms' refer to. For instance, instead of saying "the analysis requires more than three terms", specify "the polynomial requires more than three terms" or "the senator served more than three terms".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than three terms" primarily functions as a quantifier used to specify a quantity exceeding three. It appears in various contexts, including discussions of political terms, mathematical expressions, and other countable entities. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more than three terms" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that functions as a quantifier. It’s found in diverse sources, including news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it is important to ensure clarity by specifying what 'terms' refer to in each context. Alternatives include "greater than three terms" and "over three terms", with the former being more formal. The phrase has a neutral register and is used to indicate a quantity exceeding three, making it a versatile addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceeding three terms

Replaces "more than" with "exceeding", maintaining the meaning of surpassing a certain quantity.

greater than three terms

Uses "greater than" instead of "more than", which is a common way to express a numerical comparison.

over three terms

Substitutes "more than" with "over", providing a slightly more informal alternative while retaining the same meaning.

in excess of three terms

Employs the phrase "in excess of" to convey that the quantity is beyond three, adding a slightly more formal tone.

at least four terms

Reframes the expression to explicitly state the minimum quantity, providing clarity and directness.

four or more terms

Uses a more descriptive phrase to show an equal meaning to the query.

a plurality of terms

Replaces numerical value with 'plurality', implies multiple terms beyond a small quantity.

several terms

Replaces exact count with indefinite quantity.

numerous terms

Focuses on indicating a high quantity rather than specifying a threshold.

multiple terms

Uses a simple alternative phrase to indicate more than one term.

FAQs

How can I use "more than three terms" in a sentence?

You can use "more than three terms" when referring to quantities exceeding three in various contexts. For example: "The equation includes "greater than three terms"" or "No senator has served "over three terms" in that state since 1950".

What are some alternatives to "more than three terms"?

Alternatives include "exceeding three terms", "greater than three terms", "over three terms", or "in excess of three terms". The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is it more correct to say "more than three terms" or "over three terms"?

Both "more than three terms" and "over three terms" are grammatically correct. "More than" is generally considered more formal, while "over" is slightly more informal but still widely accepted in common usage.

When should I use "at least four terms" instead of "more than three terms"?

Use "at least four terms" when you want to emphasize the minimum number required. "More than three terms" simply indicates a quantity greater than three, whereas "at least four terms" clarifies that four is the starting point.