through the years vs through years

Both "through the years" and "through years" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Through the years" is a common phrase used to refer to a period of time that has passed, while "through years" is less common and would need additional context to make sense.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1246 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a period of time that has passed.

"through the years"

This phrase is used to talk about the passage of time, often to reflect on changes or experiences over a long period.

Examples:

Through the years, he became wiser and more experienced.
Through the years, their friendship grew stronger.
Through the years, technology has advanced rapidly.

Show examples from the web [+]

Mr. Bennett had so many clients through the years.
Single images and feelings that stay with you down through the years.
His shipping contacts have remained loyal through the years.
Cause look at all the stuff he's bought through the years.
No. I've thought of you through the years.
I know we've had our differences through the years, but... thank you, pussycat.
Well, I kept hearing things through the years.
That's what keeps a relationship going through the years.
Dad had multiple offers through the years, and he turned them all down.
I suppose I should start out by apologizing, which I've had to do a lot through the years for George.
And here's a list of Mr Tufnell's professional activities through the years.
Lord Tubbington, I know that through the years we haven't always gotten along.
It was a love that sustained us through the years.
I just picked it up around, through the years, like a lot of things.
It has undergone many changes through the years and has always been the subject of lively discussions.
The power acquired by the EP down through the years has served only to strengthen Europe as a whole.
This omission has doubtless led to substantial additional costs for the EU through the years, which is more than regrettable.
After all the despicable things J.R. did to you through the years, I would think you'd have taught your son better than this.
See, I realized through the years that... that, just like a computer, that th-the, the Intersect can overheat.
"He's learned through the years how to go on manipulating the situation."

Alternatives:

over the years
over time
across the years
across time
in the course of years

This phrase is correct but less common. It would require additional context to make sense.

"through years"

This phrase could be used in a poetic or literary context where the omission of the article 'the' adds a stylistic or rhythmic effect.

Show examples from the web [+]

I can't put you and the kids through years of taking care of me.
Alex, I've been through years of training, Every kind of training, courtesy of division.
A technique I have developed through years of highly focused research.
I contracted it through years of habitual smoking.
We have lived through years of separation and turmoil.
I went through years of vitamins and supplements,
Railroad stopped going through years ago.
He was made one through years of systematic abuse.
He even keeps his ritual to an established timeline, a so-called perfect methodology evolved through years of practice.
He won't he to suffer through years of ALS.
I didn't have to go through years of school to help that, I'm with you.
We are merely talking to each other with the honor, respect, and admiration that we've earned through years of serving together.
I contracted it through years of habitual smoking.
Women have borne the brunt of tragedy in Afghanistan through years of war.
I mean, she suffered through years of marriage and a difficult divorce, rather than do the one thing that she should have done.
Instead of waiting through years of planning studies and computer models to get something done, we've done it with paint and temporary materials.
Unencumbered by clinical responsibilities, unwilling to take no for an answer from those bureaucracies that tend to crush patients, and with an unparalleled ability for information retrieval honed through years of using Google.
So we can suffer through years of pain trying to adapt like your son has?
That's why you put me through years of training?
Alex, I've been through years of training, Every kind of training, courtesy of division.

Alternatives:

throughout the years
during the years
across the years
over the years
in the course of years

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

through the years vs through years