What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
years
Example
I have been studying English for three years. [years: noun]
Example
She is only five years old. [years: adjective]
Example
The 1920s were known as the Roaring Twenties. [years: noun]
period
Example
The Jurassic period lasted about 56 million years. [period: noun]
Example
The company went through a difficult period of restructuring. [period: noun]
Example
Make sure to put a period at the end of your sentence. [period: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Years is more commonly used than period in everyday language, especially when referring to age or a specific length of time. However, period is still a useful word that can be used in a variety of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between years and period?
Both years and period are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
