multiple months

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "multiple months" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a duration of time that spans more than one month. Example: "The project will take multiple months to complete due to its complexity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Multiple months in 2016 set temperature records, buoyed by a strong El Niño event.

The Washington Post

We demonstrate the quick installation of the WSN and live measurements over multiple months.

Energy Procedia

Over multiple months, the jelly can accumulate in the lungs leading to potentially serious inflammation known as lipoid pneumonia.

Columbia University

(Moser, who still works for Vance, now as senior investigative counsel, did not respond to requests for an interview made over multiple months.

The New Yorker

Now, Dreeben said, when the government asked for a reconstruction of someone's movements over a period of multiple months, "it is doing the same thing that it did in Smith".

The New Yorker

After Monk spent a few more years in penniless obscurity, suddenly, most of New York City went to the Five Spot, where he was in residence for multiple months in 1957.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

I've had multiple-month bouts of vertigo, insomnia and total body pain since then.

The New York Times

He argues that is not only because the rates earned are higher, but also because average project time is reduced from multiple-months to just 12-14 weeks. 12-14 weeks

TechCrunch

He faced multiple operations, months in a hospital, chemotherapy and more than a year of treatments with an uncertain outcome.

The New York Times - Sports

Important matters, such as child custody cases, were often adjourned multiple times; months, even years, elapsed before decisions were issued.

The New York Times

However, it might not be enough to just improve efficiency, especially where demand significantly exceeds supply over the course of multiple successive months or even years.

Health Care Management Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "multiple months" to indicate a period longer than one month but without specifying an exact duration. This is useful when the precise number of months is unknown or unimportant.

Common error

Avoid using "multiple months" when you know the exact number of months. For example, instead of saying "the project took multiple months", specify "the project took three months" for better precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "multiple months" functions as an adjectival modifier followed by a plural noun. As shown by Ludwig, it modifies a noun (often related to time) to indicate a duration exceeding one month. This expression is widely understood and accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "multiple months" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a period longer than one month. As Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical status is correct and is found commonly in news, science and academic contexts. For more precise descriptions, you might opt for phrases like "several months" or "a few months". Remember to avoid using it when you know the exact number of months to ensure clarity and precision in your writing. With a neutral tone, this term is suitable for most communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several months

Emphasizes an indefinite but not insignificant period.

a few months

Indicates a short but unspecified duration.

some months

Suggests a non-specific duration, implying more than one.

many months

Highlights a relatively large number of months.

a number of months

Formal way to indicate an unspecified duration.

extended period

Refers to a longer, unspecified time, not necessarily defined in months.

protracted period

Highlights that the period was lengthy or prolonged, not necessarily of "multiple months" duration.

over a span of months

Emphasizes the duration but is less direct.

for a period of months

A more formal way to describe duration.

a couple of months

Implies roughly two months specifically.

FAQs

How can I use "multiple months" in a sentence?

Use "multiple months" to describe a period lasting more than one month without stating the exact duration. For instance, "The investigation lasted "multiple months"."

What's a good alternative to "multiple months"?

Alternatives include "several months", "a few months", or "some months", depending on the context and desired level of specificity.

When is it appropriate to use "multiple months" instead of specifying an exact number of months?

Use "multiple months" when the precise number of months is unknown, irrelevant, or when you want to emphasize the extended duration without being specific. This is useful when precision is not required.

Is "multiple months" formal or informal?

"Multiple months" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "a number of months".