more than two decades

USAGE SUMMARY

"more than two decades" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "The store has been open for more than two decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Fast-forward more than two decades.

The New York Times - Arts

His exile lasted for more than two decades.

The New Yorker

"I have been organising expeditions for more than two decades.

Independent

The vote came after more than two decades of organizing.

The New York Times

The program was enormously popular for more than two decades.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bernier lived in Paris for more than two decades.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Dr. Resnick's father died more than two decades ago.

The New York Times

Her husband, John Hionis, died more than two decades ago.

The New York Times

The first paper to consider the problem is [8], written more than two decades ago.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Rearrangement of chromatin structure during DNA repair was reported more than two decades ago.

DNA Repair

My first prison visit was more than two decades ago.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than two decades" to clearly indicate a time span exceeding twenty years in various contexts, from historical analyses to personal narratives.

Common error

While informal alternatives exist, using slang or overly casual phrases can diminish the credibility of your writing. Stick to established expressions like "more than two decades" or "over two decades" for clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than two decades" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It specifies the duration of an action, state, or event, indicating a period longer than twenty years. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more than two decades" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a period exceeding twenty years. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register. To vary your writing, consider alternatives like "over two decades" or "in excess of twenty years". Remember to maintain clarity and avoid overly casual language to preserve the professional tone of your content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over two decades

This alternative replaces "more than" with "over", offering a slightly more concise way to express the same duration.

longer than twenty years

This alternative directly states the duration is longer than twenty years, providing a clear and straightforward comparison.

in excess of twenty years

This phrase offers a more formal and emphatic way to express a duration exceeding twenty years.

twenty years and beyond

This option uses "and beyond" to suggest the duration extends past the initial twenty-year mark.

at least twenty years

This phrase highlights the minimum duration of twenty years, implying it could be longer.

two decades plus

This phrase uses "plus" to informally indicate a duration slightly longer than two decades.

beyond twenty years

This option is a more literary way to express more than 20 years. This means the period is longer.

for upwards of twenty years

This is a more formal way of stating 'more than two decades', and upwards suggests the possibility of exceeding that period.

two-plus decades

This alternative represents a shortened and informal way of saying 'two decades plus'.

a score of years

This is a less common way of stating more than twenty years. Using the term score

FAQs

How can I use "more than two decades" in a sentence?

You can use "more than two decades" to describe a duration exceeding twenty years. For example, "The company has been a leader in the industry for "more than two decades"."

What are some alternatives to saying "more than two decades"?

You can use alternatives such as "over two decades", "in excess of twenty years", or "longer than twenty years" to express a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to say "over two decades" or "more than two decades"?

Both "more than two decades" and "over two decades" are acceptable. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context. "More than two decades" might be considered slightly more formal.

Can "more than two decades" refer to a period significantly longer than twenty years?

Yes, "more than two decades" indicates a period exceeding twenty years, and it can encompass durations considerably longer, such as thirty, forty, or even fifty years.