Two and a half years vs Two years and a half

Both "two and a half years" and "two years and a half" are correct, but "two and a half years" is more commonly used in English. The first phrase is more idiomatic and flows better in conversation.

Last updated: June 12, 2024 • 638 views

Two and a half years

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is the more common way to express a period of two years and six months. It is clear and concise.

Examples:

I have been working here for two and a half years.
The project will take two and a half years to complete.
She studied abroad for two and a half years.
They have been dating for two and a half years.
The company has been in business for two and a half years.

Show examples from the web [+]

May 3, 2016 ... Two and a half years, 13 countries, 1 camera: The Leica M Review. Sebastiaan de With. ·. Follow. 24 min read. ·. May 3, 2016.
Dec 14, 2017 ... Two and a half years or two years and a half? Which is the preferred choice by Anglo-speakers?

Alternatives:

two years and a half

Two years and a half

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

While grammatically correct, this phrase is less frequently used in everyday conversation. It may sound slightly more formal or less natural.

Examples:

The lease is for two years and a half.
He has been studying Spanish for two years and a half.
The warranty covers two years and a half.
She plans to travel for two years and a half.
The course lasts for two years and a half.

Show examples from the web [+]

His exile lasted nearly two years and a half.
After these two years and a half, your face look so hard.
The wines are aged for up to two years and a half in Allier French oak barriques and tonneaux.
The masons worked for two years and a half and the factory was opened on Saint Jaime day in 1904.
Fabio, and I, are used to long distance relationship, actually for two years and a half we were in living in different countries while dating.
After a stay at Ephesus of two years and a half, perhaps more (Acts 20:31: trietian), he departed for Macedonia and thence for Corinth, where he spent the winter.
SOJU BAR opened two years and a half ago together with Angry Chicken, by the creators of Kimchi Prinzess, the restaurant at the corner in the heart of Kreuzberg (Berlin).
SC Avicod SA Codlea, under the leadership of General Manager Dionisie Manole, has been ranked in 2006 at the 6th place at national level and the first one in Braşov county, after passing, two years and a half ago, through the clearing sale process.
The 2012-13 season saw her breakthrough: at Tianjin she climbed on the podium of a World Cup event, which no other French sportswomen had accomplished in two years and a half.
Puppies are usually from 2 to 4, and attain independence at one year and a half or two years and a half.
Their structure has been shrouded in mystery for centuries, and - according to legend - revealing its secret would have brought to death in two years and a half.

Alternatives:

two and a half years

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