Choosing Between 'For' and 'Over' When Referring to Past Years

In English, especially in written materials and when discussing time-related topics, the phrases 'for' and 'over' are commonly used to talk about the duration of events or changes that have taken place. Although these phrases are semantically similar, their usage can convey different nuances in terms of whether the action continued throughout the entire time period or occurred during that span. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate and clear communication.

Understanding 'For' and 'Over' in Context

For typically indicates a duration or period of time during which something has been happening or has been true. It often emphasizes the entire time span.

Over, on the other hand, suggests a more gradual or ongoing process, often implying a focus on events or changes that occurred at various points within that time frame.

Example: For the past years: We’ve maintained a monthly book club membership for the past five years. This phrase indicates that the book club membership has continued consistently for the entire five-year period. Over the past years: We made many book purchases over the last ten years. This phrase suggests that the book purchases occurred gradually or intermittently over the course of the decade, not necessarily continuously.

When to Use Each Phrase

These phrases are semantically similar and are always used with a specific number or other determiner. The choice between 'for' and 'over' depends on whether you want to convey a continuous action or an event that occurred sporadically.

For is used when you want to indicate that an action continued over the entire period.

Example: For the past ten years, I have lived on very little money. This statement indicates that the living situation has been consistent throughout the ten-year period.

Over is used when you want to emphasize that the events or changes occurred during that period, but not necessarily continuously.

Example: Over the past few years, they have grown apart. This phrase suggests that the relationship has been evolving over the course of a few years, but not necessarily gradually.

British English and Usage

In British English, it is common to add something to 'years' when using these phrases. Examples include 'a few years' or 'ten years.' This additional context can help clarify the duration more precisely.

Examples:

We have been studying for a PhD for the past three years. This clearly indicates a continuous action over the three-year period. New York has changed a lot over the past ten years. This suggests that New York has undergone changes over a ten-year span, but not necessarily consistently or gradually.

Note that in British English, you might also use 'last' instead of 'past': for example, 'New York has changed a lot over the last ten years.' However, saying 'New York has changed a lot over the past years' sounds unsatisfactory to many British ears due to the lack of a specific number.

Alternatives and Specifics in Usage

Depending on the context, you can also use alternative phrasings to convey the same meaning more clearly. For instance, 'When he returned, he found that New York had changed a lot over the years,' implies that the changes occurred during the time since he left.

Example: New York has changed a lot over the years. This is a more general statement, suggesting that the city has gone through changes over an unspecified period. New York had changed a lot when he returned. This indicates that the changes occurred during the time between him leaving and returning.

Conclusion

Selecting between 'for' and 'over' when referring to past years is crucial for ensuring your message is clear and accurately conveys the nature of the events or changes described. Whether you choose to emphasize continuity ('for') or the span of events ('over'), understanding these subtle differences will help you communicate effectively in both written and spoken English.