over the course of

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression 'over the course of' can be used in written English.
It is usually used when talking about something that has happened or been happening for a period of time. For example, "Over the course of the last five years, I have worked hard to build my career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

over the course of the past three years.

The New York Times

They outplayed us over the course of the three matches".

The New York Times - Sports

Soufan questioned Quso over the course of several days.

The New Yorker

Over the course of the whole day, I have three.

Independent

I've been the same over the course of my career.

The New York Times - Sports

And over the course of 2009, he talked it through.

The New York Times

"Over the course of several years, it came back slowly".

The New York Times

Treatment involved 40 infusions over the course of a year.

The New York Times

Over the course of several months?

TechCrunch

Carpenters' spatial skills improve over the course of their apprenticeship.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Six sessions were held over the course of 2 weeks.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "over the course of" to indicate a progression or change happening during a specific time period. For instance, "The project evolved significantly over the course of several months".

Common error

Avoid using "over the course of" when describing an instantaneous event. The phrase suggests a gradual process, not an immediate shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over the course of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, specifying the duration or time frame within which an action, event, or process occurs. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used when something has happened or been happening for a period of time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "over the course of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate the duration or timeframe in which an event, action, or process occurs. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. With examples from sources like The New York Times, BBC, and various scientific journals, this phrase is prevalent in both formal and informal contexts. When writing, remember that "over the course of" implies a gradual process, making it unsuitable for describing instantaneous events. Alternatives such as "during the period of" or "throughout the duration of" can be used depending on the context. "Over the course of" serves to provide temporal context, enhancing the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the period of

This alternative focuses on a specific period, similar to "over the course of" but emphasizes the duration.

throughout the duration of

This alternative is more formal, highlighting the entire length of time.

in the time frame of

This option specifies a defined time period during which events unfold.

in the process of

This alternative emphasizes the unfolding of events or actions, aligning closely with the meaning of "over the course of".

within the span of

This phrase highlights the limits or boundaries of the time involved.

in the fullness of

This suggests a gradual development or unfolding across time, but is more literary.

during the continuum of

This alternative focuses on the continuous nature of the period of time.

while in progress

This alternative indicates something happening during a specific event's duration.

as time passes

This phrase captures the ongoing progression of events in a simple manner.

as events unfold

This emphasizes the sequence of occurrences during a specific time.

FAQs

How can I use "over the course of" in a sentence?

Use "over the course of" to indicate that something happens or changes during a particular period, like "Over the course of the year, the company implemented new policies."

What are some alternatives to "over the course of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "during the period of", "throughout the duration of", or "in the time frame of".

Is it appropriate to use "over the course of" in formal writing?

Yes, "over the course of" is suitable for formal writing. It is often used in academic, scientific, and business contexts to describe how something develops or changes over time.

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

"During" refers to a specific time when something happens. "Over the course of" emphasizes that something happens or changes throughout a specific time period. For example, "I studied during the summer", versus "Over the course of the summer, I learned a lot".