over this period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over this period" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific duration of time during which something occurs or is observed. Example: "Over this period, we have seen significant improvements in our sales figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Japanese growth over this period was lethargic.

Independent

However, final demand growth averaged just 1.3% over this period.

The Guardian - Opinion

Has the troop retained the same members over this period?

The New York Times

However, the completion rate over this period fell to 57%.

The Guardian

Only 16% of those polled say their business has declined over this period.

The Guardian - Business

Student numbers increased at Russell Group universities by just 3% over this period.

The Guardian

Japan has pledged to cut its emissions by 6percentt over this period.

The New York Times

It is anticipated that about 620 BBC News posts will close over this period.

The Guardian

UK corporation tax also fell over this period as a percentage of all tax revenues.

The Guardian - Opinion

Over this period, 20% of the rent will be "saved" in an unspecified manner.

The Guardian

The trust that was built over this period is no longer here".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "over this period", ensure the time frame is clearly defined within the context. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "over this period" without a clear antecedent or reference point. Always ensure the time frame is easily understood by the reader to prevent confusion about which duration you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over this period" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying the duration of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usability across various contexts. Examples demonstrate its role in indicating when changes, trends, or events occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "over this period" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote a specific duration of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, its widespread use across news, science, and business contexts makes it highly practical for various writing needs. For clarity, always ensure the time frame is well-defined. While alternatives like "during this time" exist, the choice often depends on the desired level of formality and context. By avoiding unclear temporal references, writers can effectively use "over this period" to enhance the precision and understanding of their message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during this time frame

Replaces "period" with "time frame", emphasizing the temporal boundary.

during this interval

Simplifies the phrase by using "during" instead of "over".

in this timeframe

A more concise alternative, replacing "period" with "timeframe".

throughout this duration

Substitutes "over" with "throughout" and "period" with "duration", focusing on the length of time.

within this time span

Emphasizes a specific, limited duration using "time span".

in the course of this interval

Uses more formal vocabulary like "interval" and "course", indicating a measured time span.

for the duration

Shortens the phrase while maintaining the meaning of a defined time.

in this space of time

Adds emphasis to the passage of time using "space of time".

in the intervening period

Highlights the time that comes between two points using "intervening".

while this lasted

Implies a condition or event that continues for a certain duration.

FAQs

What's a simple substitute for "over this period"?

A straightforward substitute is "during this time", which provides the same meaning with fewer words.

How can I make "over this period" sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "in the course of this interval". This option is appropriate for academic or professional writing.

Is "during this period" or "over this period" more correct?

Both "during this period" and "over this period" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the desired tone.

Can I use "over this period" to describe a future time frame?

Yes, "over this period" can refer to both past and future durations, as long as the context clearly indicates the time frame. For example: "Over this period of the next five years, we expect significant growth".