years apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"years apart" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the span of time between two events, occurrences, etc. For example, "The two films were released almost 20 years apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They happened 20 years apart.

The New York Times - Sports

Twins two years apart.

The New York Times - Magazine

Both were hits, but four years apart.

The New York Times

The two emails were 10 years apart.

The Guardian

They were only a few years apart.

The Guardian

The two emails were ten years apart.

The Guardian

Transits occur in pairs eight years apart.

The Guardian

They were made 80 years apart.

The New York Times - Arts

Each one's about 10 years apart.

The New York Times - Arts

LYDIA DAVIS: They were conceived years and years apart.

The New Yorker

Are you blind?" They were brothers, two years apart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "years apart" to clearly indicate the time difference between events, births, or other occurrences. This phrase is versatile and easily understood in various contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "years apart" when the time difference is better expressed in days, weeks, or months. Be precise and select the most appropriate unit of time for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "years apart" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the temporal distance between two events or entities. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "years apart" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe the temporal distance between two events or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and easily understood in various contexts, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal writing. Remember to use it precisely to indicate significant time differences and avoid it when other units of time would be more appropriate. Related phrases like "separated by years" and "with a gap of years" offer similar meanings, allowing for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separated by years

This alternative emphasizes the separation caused by the passage of time.

years in between

This alternative provides a simpler, more direct way to express the time separation.

with a gap of years

This alternative specifies that there is a noticeable space of time between two points.

separated in time by years

This alternative is a more verbose way of saying "years apart" focusing on the separation.

at an interval of years

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the regular recurrence after a set time.

a span of years

This alternative highlights the length of the time period involved.

spaced out by years

This alternative indicates that events or things are intentionally set at a distance of years.

time elapsed between

This alternative is more technical and focuses on the measurement of the time difference.

a duration of years

This alternative emphasizes the length of time that has passed.

occurring several years from each other

This alternative is more descriptive, specifying the nature of the events happening at different times.

FAQs

How can I use "years apart" in a sentence?

You can use "years apart" to describe a time interval separating two events, such as "The two world wars occurred just two decades "decades apart"." or "The twins were born three "years apart"."

What phrases are similar to "years apart"?

Similar phrases include "separated by years", "with a gap of years", or "at an interval of years", all indicating a duration between two points in time.

Is it appropriate to use "years apart" in formal writing?

Yes, "years apart" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its clarity and common usage make it appropriate for various writing styles.

Can "years apart" be used to describe non-temporal separation?

While "years apart" primarily refers to time, it is generally best to reserve it for temporal contexts. For non-temporal separations, consider alternatives like "miles apart" for distance or "worlds apart" for conceptual differences.