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over forty years vs over 40 years

Both "over forty years" and "over 40 years" are correct. The choice between using the word "forty" or the numeral "40" is a matter of style and personal preference. Both versions are commonly used in English.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 2475 views

over forty years

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate a period of more than forty years. It is a stylistic choice to spell out the number "forty" instead of using the numeral "40."
  • The countries of Central and Eastern Europe have been ruined by over forty years of Communism.
  • The fact that the national identity of the smallest Member State has not been called into question by over forty years of integration is seen by the citizens of the candidate countries as a reassuring element and, therefore, is important for the internal debates about accession.
  • After he retired... he fought the undead for over forty years.
  • The Armageddon of the Second World War was followed by over forty years of communist dictatorship in Central and Eastern Europe.
  • I think she is over forty years old.
  • People are raising their voices against the illegal and criminal embargo imposed on the country over forty years ago by the USA.People are demanding an end to the EU's 'common position' and its unacceptable sanctions on Cuba.
  • For over forty years, Libya has been ruled by a dictatorial regime in which power is concentrated in one man, Colonel Khadafy, the longest serving African and Arab leader.
  • The Nordic passport union is another way; it has been in operation for over forty years and really does allow people free movement, without creating walls against the world outside, and it must be preserved.
  • In the Commission, systems and structures have built up over forty years in which successive enlargements have occurred.

Alternatives:

  • over 40 years
  • more than forty years
  • more than 40 years
  • forty plus years
  • 40+ years

over 40 years

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate a period of more than 40 years. It is a stylistic choice to use the numeral "40" instead of spelling out the number "forty."
  • I've been a therapist for over 40 years.
  • I mean, she's been romanticizing this relationship for over 40 years.
  • I have been in practice for over 40 years.
  • Look, we have been American citizens for over 40 years.
  • I waited over 40 years for my Lois, Miss Pope.
  • Dr. Foley, no question you're a fine botanist, but the average life span of a rafflesia is over 40 years.
  • That's got to be over 40 years.
  • The Vice Director has kept the secret for over 40 years.
  • I have lived in this town for over 40 years.
  • You know, I've dealt with rodents like tafflinger For over 40 years.
  • My father went on an odyssey for over 40 years.
  • Now I worked with dying people for over 40 years.
  • Joe, nobody's seen these objects in over 40 years.
  • You opened the market over 40 years ago.
  • We have had a passport union for over 40 years - it must be retained.
  • You sure? 'Cause it's been over 40 years.
  • I worked with Zed for over 40 years, and in all that time he never invited me to dinner.
  • Michael, you know I haven't talked to anyone for over 40 years.
  • You know, I haven't set foot in this city as a free woman in over 40 years.
  • Your father and I have been married for over 40 years.

Alternatives:

  • over forty years
  • more than forty years
  • more than 40 years
  • forty plus years
  • 40+ years

Related Comparisons

over a few years vs during a few years for over two years vs over to years Over the hundred years ago vs Over the hundred years since about ten years vs since about last ten years over years vs during years

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