year of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "year of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate a specific year or time period, often for historical or commemorative purposes. Example: "2019 was declared the year of the pig in the Chinese zodiac."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A year of radiation.

The New Yorker

A year of bickering ensued.

The New York Times

Year of the Power Trip".

The New York Times - Books

"The Year of Living Dangerously".

The New York Times

One year of depravation and fear.

The New York Times

Each additional year of service is $30.

The New York Times

It's the year of the comeback.

The New York Times

It follows a year of other stumbles.

The Economist

"It was not a year of progress.

The New York Times

In the fourth year of parentless night.

The New Yorker

What was 2014 the year of?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "year of" to designate a specific year for a particular theme or event, providing context or commemorative significance, for example, "2024 was the year of the AI breakthrough."

Common error

Avoid using "year of" without clear contextual relevance. Ensure that the year being referenced has a distinct and pertinent association to the subject matter to prevent ambiguity or irrelevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "year of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used adjectivally to modify a noun by specifying a particular year associated with a theme, event, or characteristic. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is used to provide context to a specific time period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "year of" is a grammatically sound and very common prepositional phrase used to designate a specific year noteworthy for a particular theme, event, or characteristic. According to Ludwig, it is widely used in news, formal business contexts, and other professional environments. While its usage is generally straightforward, ensure that the year specified has a clear contextual relevance to avoid ambiguity. Consider related phrases like "annual period" or "designated year" for alternative wording. In conclusion, "year of" is a versatile tool for providing temporal and thematic context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designated year

Highlights the act of naming or assigning a specific year for a purpose.

annual period

Focuses on the duration aspect rather than a specific designation.

twelve-month span

Emphasizes the length of time in a more descriptive way.

a period of

Denotes a specific interval of time characterized by certain events.

the age of

Refers to a broader era or period defined by a characteristic feature.

a time of

Signifies a general period marked by specific circumstances or events.

the term of

Indicates a fixed or specified duration, especially in formal contexts.

the season of

Implies a particular time associated with specific activities or events.

the era of

Suggests a more extended historical or cultural period.

annual cycle

Highlights the cyclical nature of a year, often in scientific contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "year of" in a sentence?

Use "year of" to specify a theme, event, or characteristic associated with a particular year. For instance, "2020 was the "year of the pandemic"" or "1999 was the "year of the euro"'s introduction".

What are some alternative phrases for "year of"?

Alternatives include "the annual period of", "the designated year of", or "a time of", depending on the specific context and intended meaning. Each alternative provides a slightly different nuance.

Is it always necessary to specify the year when using the phrase "year of"?

Yes, specifying the year is crucial for clarity. Without it, the phrase lacks specific meaning and context. For example, instead of just saying "It was the year of significant change", specify "2010 was the "year of significant change"".

What is the difference between "year of" and "age of"?

While both phrases refer to a period of time, "year of" typically denotes a specific year associated with an event or theme, while "age of" refers to a broader era characterized by certain developments or features, such as "the "age of technology"".