Is this sentence right in terms of grammer?

Question

So I have lived in Africa most of my life. Over the past 20 years I have lived in oxford and london.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

grammar

So, I have lived in Africa most of my life. Over the past 20 years I have lived in Oxford and London.

I assume 'so' refers back to something said in the immediate context.

'Over' does not sound 'good to me. Do you mean 'during'? Or perhaps 'for'?

Clive

Oliver01 · Answer

CliveHi,grammarSo, I have lived in Africa most of my life. Over the past 20 years I have lived in Oxford and London. I assume 'so' refers back to something said in the immediate context.'Over' does not sound 'good to me. Do you mean 'during'? Or perhaps 'for'?Clive

Oops the spelling was just a typo

I have heard people using the word "over" too! or is that just a massive hallucination

Please indicate where I can read about the differences between "for" and "during" ! well if there is any

It is nice of you replying.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Consider these basic examples..
For the next 10 years, I lived in London. I didn't live anywhere else.
During the next ten years, I lived in London. Maybe I also lived somewhere else for some of that time

Over the next 10 years, I lived in London. This is said sometimes, but it is not totally clear to me.

If you google difference between for and during, you'll find much discussion.

Clive

Oliver01 · Answer

CliveHi,Consider these basic examples..For the next 10 years, I lived in London. I didn't live anywhere else.During the next ten years, I lived in London. Maybe I also lived somewhere else for some of that timeOver the next 10 years, I lived in London. This is said sometimes, but it is not totally clear to me.If you google difference between for and during, you'll find much discussion.Clive

Hey Clive,

It was a very good explanation actually. I should also look up the difference more in details.

Having read another article I found this relevant to this discussion :
"The Garfield County Sheriff's Department estimated he had travelled about 40 miles over at least 3 weeks before he was found Thursday."

Could "over" be replaced by "for/during" ?

my second question is that: Why author didn't just say "he travelled" ? is it just a choice the author made or it would actually make difference if you say "he had travelled"

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Could "over" be replaced by "for/during" ? No, they wouldn't fit well.
To my mind, 'over' here emphasizes that 3 weeks is a long period ( for a criminal to be doing this) .

my second question is that: Why author didn't just say "he travelled" ? is it just a choice yes the author made or it would actually make difference if you say "he had travelled" The Past Perfect adds emphasis to the sequence of events.

Clive.

Is this sentence right in terms of grammer?

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