numerous centuries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "numerous centuries" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large number of centuries, often in historical or literary contexts. Example: "The ancient ruins have stood the test of time for numerous centuries, bearing witness to the rise and fall of civilizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Acupuncture has been successfully used for clinical treatment in East Asian countries for numerous centuries.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This original design has withstood the test of time: the repetitive formula of the façade was continued during the subsequent additions to the palazzo, and its influence can be seen in numerous 16th-century imitations and 19th-century revivals.

Wikipedia

There are numerous 14th-century palaces and houses around the former city centre, notably the Palazzo della Fraternità.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Holy Trinity, the English church, two blocks inland from the Promenade, has a graveyard with numerous 19th-century tombstones commemorating those English who died there.

The New Yorker

The numerous 15th-century followers of Chaucer continued to treat the conventional range of courtly and moralizing topics, but only rarely with the intelligence and stylistic accomplishment of their distinguished predecessors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Grisette, stock character in numerous 19th-century French novels, a pretty young woman who usually works as a laundress, milliner, or seamstress and who is an easy sexual conquest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Memory and the representation of the past play a key role in the formation of racial and national identities; numerous twentieth-century philosophers have noted the degree of subjectivity and construction that are inherent in the national memories represented in a group's telling of its history.

SEP

Downtown Providence has numerous 19th-century mercantile buildings in the Federal and Victorian architectural styles, as well as several post-modern and modernist buildings, located throughout the area.

Wikipedia

While Erowid has previously uploaded numerous 21st-century issues of the publication, as well as a 44-page 1987 supplement reproducing confiscated LSD blotter, the earliest issues were not previously available.

Vice

In the 15th and 16th centuries numerous composers chose the Ordinary as a chief means of musical expression.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Throughout the centuries, numerous treatises have included recommendations on how to achieve higher and more efficient yields.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "numerous centuries" to emphasize a significant span of time, especially when discussing historical trends or enduring impacts. It adds a sense of depth and longevity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "numerous centuries" when describing recent events or situations. This phrase is more suitable for historical or long-term perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "numerous centuries" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (often implied) to indicate a quantity and duration of time. It specifies that something has existed, occurred, or persisted over a long period of time involving many centuries. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its usage in historical contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

22%

News & Media

22%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "numerous centuries" is a grammatically correct expression used to denote a long duration involving multiple centuries. Ludwig AI confirms this with various real-world examples. It is appropriate for historical contexts and adds a sense of depth to writing. While "numerous" is more formal, "many" is a more versatile alternative. Using "numerous centuries" effectively involves considering the context and avoiding overuse in contemporary settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

many centuries

Replaces "numerous" with a more common synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

countless centuries

Emphasizes the immeasurable nature of the time period.

several centuries

Indicates a smaller, less emphasized quantity of centuries.

multiple centuries

Highlights that more than one century is involved.

ages

A more general term implying very long periods, not necessarily limited to centuries.

long periods of time

A broader phrase that refers to extended durations without specifying centuries.

extensive eras

Highlights that eras were very long and/or covered a lot of ground.

historical epochs

Highlights the historical nature of those time periods.

innumerable years

Similar to "countless centuries", this phrase emphasizes the great number of years.

across the ages

Indicates that something has occurred throughout a long expanse of time.

FAQs

How can I use "numerous centuries" in a sentence?

You can use "numerous centuries" to describe events, traditions, or phenomena that have persisted over a long time, such as "The practice of acupuncture has been used for "numerous centuries" in East Asian countries."

What phrases are similar to "numerous centuries"?

Similar phrases include "many centuries", "countless centuries", and "several centuries". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "numerous centuries" or "many centuries"?

Both "numerous centuries" and "many centuries" are grammatically correct. "Numerous" can add a slightly more formal tone, but "many" is generally more common and versatile.

When should I use "numerous centuries" instead of "numerous years"?

"Numerous centuries" should be used when referring specifically to periods of one hundred years or more. Use "numerous years" when referring to shorter or unspecified lengths of time.