3 years is a long time vs 3 years are a long time

The correct phrase is "3 years is a long time." In this case, the subject "3 years" is considered as a singular unit, so the verb "is" should be used instead of "are." This construction is commonly used in English.

Last updated: April 07, 2024 • 1765 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"3 years is a long time"

Use this phrase when referring to a period of time as a singular unit. In this case, the verb "is" should be used.

Examples:

5 minutes is all it takes.
10 days is too long to wait.
1 year is a significant milestone.
2 hours is not enough time.
6 months is a decent amount of time.

This phrase is incorrect. The subject "3 years" should be treated as a singular unit, so the verb "is" is the correct choice.

"3 years are a long time"

Show examples from the web [+]

3 years are a long time
This 3 year long campaign saw numerous terrorist attacks on both civilian and military targets.
The letter also stated that the mandate of the next President would be 3 years long.
In its 3 year long operating time, LAN system has proved to be a reliable continuous monitoring system, data collector, alarm and remote command elaborator, suitable also for production companies.
Discounts: free meals for children up to 3 years as long as it isn't necessary the preparation of specific food.
3 years is too long for her to wait.
I've been dancing for 3 years, a long time!
A new assessment must be available at least once every 3 years for as long as exposure continues.
In the last 2-3 years, long styles of sundresses, skirts and dresses have become fashionable, these kinds of clothes began to attract more and more buyers due to the universality of sizes and a wide choice of colors.
To be fair, the duration of the contract should be between 2 to 3 years, long enough for your tenants to rebuild their credit.This contract also transfers the maintenance responsibility to your tenants.
Although the current financial perspective expires in 2006 and, therefore, the adjustment in 2004 will only cover a 3 year-period, the long-term effects of the decisions which are made now should be considered.
Sumo in the history of videogames 3 years ago Discover the long and way too discreet career of this Japanese traditional sport in videogames.
Make a note of what you expect to achieve from your business and where you want to be in the short-term (1-2 years), mid-term (3 years) and long-term (5+ years).
As birthday present, this blondasse with dream-like body gets what she'd been waiting for for 3 long years: the occasion...
He went through life and death with us... for 3 long years.
I've just come out of a long relationship of 3 years.
Apart from our vocalist Loic, who joined the band after a long search in 2009, I've been playing with the same people for about 3 years now.
KM1-M7162-10X YAMAHA A040E1-56W YV100X.XG.II Solenoid Valve, i t has a long service life, at least 3 years; Our company support replacing within 7 days, and 15 days sent back fault products without any reason.
Something you can rely on for a long time to come thanks to the splashproof housing. STEINEL vouches for this with a 3-year functional warranty.
However, they needed more than 3 year to get published in a medical journal, which is quite a long time and raises the question whether there was pressure to delay the publication.
I am a long time amateur photographer with a broad range of interests including architecture, urban, nature and HDR images. My pictures are available through several microstock agencies and I am using ProStockMaster in my workflow for about 3 years now.

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3 years is a long time vs 3 years are a long time