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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Definition of 'over' in this context

Hi, with reference to http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/over, what is the definition of 'over' in the following context?

It has improved tremendously over the years.

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Hi, You neeed to look at the expanded list of meanings. 18. throughout the duration of: over a long period of years.

— Clive

  • Hi, You neeed to look at the expanded list of meanings.
  • 18.
  • throughout the duration of: over a long period of years.
  • Clive
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5 Answers
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Hi,

You neeed to look at the expanded list of meanings.


18.
throughout the duration of: over a long period of years.





Clive
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Could I say "It has been improving tremendously over the years" instead of "It has improved tremendously over the years"?
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Hi,

Yes. But why would you choose the continuous tense?

Clive
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Because 'over' means 'throughout'? Why does it sounds odd to you? "Has been improving throughout the years" doesn't sound odd to me.
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Hi,

I didn't say it sounded odd. I just asked why you chose it.

I feel the progressive suggests more than the Simple that the improvement will continue in the future. That's one reason that I might choose progressive.

Clive
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