over the months

USAGE SUMMARY

"over the months" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is often used to reference the passage of time (longer than a few weeks but less than a few years) between two events. For example: "We have seen significant changes in the business over the months since the new CEO was appointed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanwhile, over the months, a narrative emerged.

The New York Times - Arts

Over the months I kept meeting problems.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Over the months his argument has come to look obvious.

The Economist

Over the months that followed, I began to feel better.

The New York Times

The process has grown contentious over the months.

The New York Times

But over the months, the frantic reenactments have subsided.

The New York Times - Health

"Over the months the operation will be refined," Vieira said.

The Guardian - Sport

Occupy has taken a lot of stick over the months.

The Guardian

Over the months, I heard my cousins get angrier.

The Guardian

Over the months, she enticed him to go sky-diving and ride roller coasters.

The New York Times

Over the months that followed, I talked to Tattooed Guitarist more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "over the months", ensure the context clearly establishes the starting point or reference event from which the period is measured.

Common error

Avoid using "over the months" in contexts where the specific months are important but unclear. For example, instead of saying "Sales improved over the months", specify "Sales improved over the months of June, July, and August".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over the months" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses by indicating the time frame in which an action or event occurs. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "over the months" is a prepositional phrase commonly used to specify a timeframe of several months during which an event unfolds or a process occurs. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, be mindful of clarity and context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "in the intervening months" or "during the subsequent months" can offer nuanced variations. Ludwig provides ample examples of its usage in real-world scenarios, showcasing its versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the intervening months

Emphasizes the time that has passed between two specific points.

during the subsequent months

Highlights the months that followed a particular event.

throughout the months

Stresses continuity or duration over a period of months.

in the course of several months

Indicates that something happened gradually or progressively.

within a few months

Implies a relatively short period, specifically less than a year.

in the past few months

Focuses on a recent period of time that is several months in length.

in the following months

Refers to the months that will happen directly after a mentioned period.

as the months passed

Emphasizes a continuous flow of time.

during those months

Refers to a specific period of months that are already known or implied.

over a period of months

Highlights the duration involved.

FAQs

How can I use "over the months" in a sentence?

You can use "over the months" to indicate a period of time. For example, "The project evolved "over the months" as we received more feedback."

What are some alternatives to saying "over the months"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in the intervening months", "during the subsequent months", or "throughout the months", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "over the months" and "in the months"?

"Over the months" suggests a duration or progression across a period of months, while "in the months" refers to something happening within a specific set of months, often without implying continuity.

Which is more appropriate, "over the months" or "during the months"?

Both phrases can be used. "Over the months" usually implies a gradual change or development. "During the months" simply indicates that something occurred at some point within that timeframe.