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Watermelon2 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

a year-long outbreak Vs years-long outbreak

Dear Sirs/Madams,

I will be glad if any on you can help me with this phrase. I understand with "a year-long" outbreak when we refer to one year. But, I am not sure if we want to refer to several years long. Can I say "years-long" outbreak?

Thank you,
Watermelon2
  

Top answer

It's not a terribly common phrasing, but yes, I think it is acceptable.

— GPY

  • It's not a terribly common phrasing, but yes, I think it is acceptable.
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6 Answers
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It's not a terribly common phrasing, but yes, I think it is acceptable.
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The basic meaning of 'an outbreak' is 'a sudden start'.
I can see this happening over the period of a year, but it sounds odd to speak of a sudden start that lasts for several years. That's not sudden.

Clive
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CliveI can see this happening over the period of a year, but it sounds odd to speak of a sudden start that lasts for several years.
I was assuming that this referred to disease. I don't understand it to mean that a sudden start lasted for several years. I understand it to mean that the disease was prevalent for several years after the (initial) outbreak. I sup
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Dear Sirs,

Thank you so much for your help. Is that ok if i say "After years-long domestic violence, she decided to divorce."

Thank you
Watermelon2
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watermelon2Is that ok if i say "After years-long domestic violence, she decided to divorce."
No. It doesn't sound like it's being said by a native speaker.

After experiencing years of domestic violence, she decided to divorce.

CJ
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Oh, I see. My great thank to you. There are more I need learn to improve my English. I hope this forum can help me improve my English.
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