these many years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "these many years" is correct and it can be used in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a significant period of time. For example, "I have lived in this town for these many years".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lovingly remembered these many years.

The New York Times

My friend for all these many years.

The New York Times

Thanks to him for these many years of outstanding service.

Princeton University

"I thank you for your assistance these many years.

The New York Times

"So how have you been these many years?" he asked.

The New Yorker

There ain't never been nobody to bite me, not ever, in all these many years".

The New Yorker

The job, he says, is the bully pulpit he's been waiting for these many years.

The New Yorker

Remembering you with loving thoughts and fond memeories these many years.

The New York Times

Without it, I would not have been able to continue working these many years past.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think that was the concept that kept me alive as a poet these many years".

The New Yorker

Armstrong, who did not participate in the film, has kept his counsel these many years.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "these many years" to emphasize a significant duration, often with emotional weight or reflection. It suggests a period that has shaped experiences or perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "these many years" when referring to a short or insignificant period. It's best suited for time spans that carry substantial meaning or impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these many years" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the duration of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "these many years" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a significant duration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It functions adverbially, adding emphasis and often emotional depth to statements. While its register is neutral, it is most prevalent in news and academic contexts. When using "these many years", aim to convey the impact and significance of the extended time period.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for many years

Omits "these", making it slightly more general.

over the years

Focuses on the cumulative effect of time.

in the intervening years

Highlights the time between two specific points.

for a considerable time

Emphasizes the length of the period.

for quite some time

Informal way of indicating a long period.

for a long duration

More formal and emphasizes the length.

during those years

Refers back to a previously mentioned time period.

in the subsequent years

Similar to "in the intervening years", but suggests a sequence.

throughout the years

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the period.

over a lengthy period

Formal alternative emphasizing length.

FAQs

How do I use "these many years" in a sentence?

Use "these many years" to refer to a long period of time that has passed, often with a sense of reflection or significance. For example, "After "these many years", I still remember that day vividly."

What is a more formal way to say "these many years"?

A more formal alternative to "these many years" is "over a considerable period" or "for a significant duration". These options are suitable for academic or professional writing.

What can I say instead of "these many years"?

You can use alternatives like "for many years", "over the years", or "in the intervening years" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "this many years" instead of "these many years"?

While grammatically plausible, "this many years" is not a common or idiomatic expression. "These many years" is the standard and more accepted phrasing.