over a course of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over a course of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that has happened or is happening over a period of time, e.g. "Over a course of three months, I have noticed an improvement in my ability to speak Spanish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It didn't happen overnight, but over a course of weeks.

The Guardian - Sport

Unlike surgeons, oncologists conduct their business over a course of months or years.

The New York Times

That is for four lessons a week over a course of seven to nine years.

The New York Times - Sports

In slalom, competitors race one at a time through gates and rapids over a course of 300 to 600 meters.

The New York Times - Sports

It flows through northwestern Wyoming, southern and eastern Montana, and northwestern North Dakota over a course of 692 miles (1,114 km).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Animal Kingdom possesses a high cruising speed and explosive turn of foot over a course of ground, both hallmarks of recent World Cup winners.

The New York Times - Sports

Weight of flies over a course of 1 week after sepsis.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Parents/guardians of children were interviewed four times over a course of one year.

Evaluation and Program Planning

As blood degradation products get reabsorbed over a course of 6 8 weeks, the size of haematoma will decrease [30].

Insights into Imaging

The cases took 160 mg each time, three times a day over a course of 3 months.

Chemistry Central Journal

The injection (4 mL) was applied once every other day or once a day, over a course of 10 days.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "over a course of", ensure the time frame you specify is relevant and adds clarity to your statement. For example, instead of just saying "changes occurred", specify "changes occurred over a course of several months."

Common error

Avoid using vague timeframes like "a long time" with the phrase. Be specific; instead of "improvements occurred over a course of a long time", specify "improvements occurred over a course of two years."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over a course of" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the duration or period during which an event, process, or activity occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "over a course of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to define the timeframe during which an event unfolds. Ludwig AI attests to its correctness and usability. Its usage is particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts, though it maintains neutrality suitable for various registers. When using the phrase, ensure you provide specific timeframes for clarity and avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "during a period of" or "throughout a span of" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during a period of

Uses "period" instead of "course", implying a segment of time.

throughout a span of

Emphasizes the duration using "span" and "throughout".

in the duration of

Focuses on the length of time rather than the process.

across a timeline of

Suggests a chronological sequence or progression.

over the time frame of

Highlights the temporal boundaries of the event.

within a timeframe of

Indicates that something occurs inside a set period

in the process of

Focuses on the execution stages and the duration to fulfill such process.

as time passes

Emphasizes the continuous flow of time during the event.

with the passage of time

Highlights the progression of time and its effect on the event.

while time elapses

Stresses the flowing and gradual dissipation of time.

FAQs

How do I use "over a course of" in a sentence?

Use "over a course of" to indicate the duration during which something happens or develops. For instance, "The symptoms worsened "over a course of" several days."

What's the difference between "over a course of" and "during"?

"Over a course of" implies a more extended or developmental period, while "during" can refer to a specific event or shorter timeframe. Example: "The study was conducted "over a course of" five years" versus "The study was conducted during the summer."

Which is correct, "over a course of time" or "during a course of time"?

"Over a course of time" is more idiomatic and commonly used. "During a course of time" is less frequent and can sound awkward. It's better to stick with ""over a course of" time".

Can I use "over a course of" to describe distance?

While less common, ""over a course of"" can describe a physical distance, although it is more typically associated with time. Example: "The river flows over a course of hundreds of miles."