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Reading, writing and referring to years, decades and centuries.
Practice: build the sentences →Years identify specific calendar years, decades identify periods of ten years, and centuries identify periods of one hundred years.
For example, 2026 is a year, the 2020s is a decade, and the twenty-first century is a century.
2026 is a year.
2026 — это год.
"2026" identifies a specific calendar year.
The 2020s is a decade.
2020-е — это десятилетие.
"The 2020s" refers to a period of ten years.
The twenty-first century is a century.
Двадцать первый век — это век.
"The twenty-first century" is a period of one hundred years.
She was born in 1995.
Она родилась в 1995 году.
"1995" is a year.
We studied the 1980s.
Мы изучали 1980-е.
"The 1980s" is a decade.
Four-digit years are commonly pronounced as two pairs of digits when the structure allows it.
For example, 1984 is commonly nineteen eighty-four and 2026 is commonly twenty twenty-six.
1984 is commonly read as nineteen eighty-four.
1984 обычно читается как nineteen eighty-four.
Four-digit years are often read as two pairs.
2026 is commonly read as twenty twenty-six.
2026 обычно читается как twenty twenty-six.
"2026" read as twenty twenty-six.
1776 is read as seventeen seventy-six.
1776 читается как seventeen seventy-six.
Year read in pairs.
1492 is read as fourteen ninety-two.
1492 читается как fourteen ninety-two.
Common pronunciation pattern.
1066 is read as ten sixty-six.
1066 читается как ten sixty-six.
"1066" read as ten sixty-six.
Years from 2000 through 2009 are commonly pronounced using two thousand followed by the remaining number, although other patterns can occur.
For example, 2005 is commonly two thousand and five or two thousand five.
2005 is commonly read as two thousand and five.
2005 обычно читается как two thousand and five.
"Two thousand and five" is common in British English.
2005 is also read as two thousand five.
2005 также читается как two thousand five.
"Two thousand five" is common in American English.
2000 is read as two thousand.
2000 читается как two thousand.
Year 2000 is "two thousand".
2003 is read as two thousand and three.
2003 читается как two thousand and three.
Years 2000-2009 often use "two thousand and ...".
2009 is read as two thousand and nine.
2009 читается как two thousand and nine.
Pattern for years up to 2009.
Years after 2010 can be read using twenty followed by the final two digits, especially in contemporary speech.
For example, 2016 is commonly twenty sixteen and 2026 is twenty twenty-six.
2016 is commonly read as twenty sixteen.
2016 обычно читается как twenty sixteen.
Years after 2010 can be read as twenty + final two digits.
2026 is commonly read as twenty twenty-six.
2026 обычно читается как twenty twenty-six.
"2026" as twenty twenty-six.
2012 is read as twenty twelve.
2012 читается как twenty twelve.
"2012" as twenty twelve.
2030 is read as twenty thirty.
2030 читается как twenty thirty.
Years from 2010 onwards often use this pattern.
2045 is read as twenty forty-five.
2045 читается как twenty forty-five.
"2045" as twenty forty-five.
The year 2000 is normally pronounced two thousand rather than twenty hundred in ordinary modern English.
For example, The company was founded in two thousand.
The company was founded in two thousand.
Компания была основана в две тысячи.
Year 2000 is pronounced "two thousand".
The year 2000 is read as two thousand.
2000 год читается как two thousand.
"2000" is not "twenty hundred".
She graduated in two thousand.
Она окончила университет в две тысячи.
Year 2000 pronunciation.
We celebrated the new millennium in two thousand.
Мы праздновали новое тысячелетие в две тысячи.
"2000" as two thousand.
The event took place in two thousand.
Событие произошло в две тысячи.
Standard pronunciation for 2000.
Historical years can be identified using BC before the common era and AD for years traditionally described as Anno Domini.
For example, 44 BC and AD 476.
44 BC
44 г. до н.э.
"BC" means before Christ.
AD 476
476 г. н.э.
"AD" means Anno Domini.
Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC.
Юлий Цезарь был убит в 44 г. до н.э.
"BC" is used for years before the common era.
The Roman Empire fell in AD 476.
Римская империя пала в 476 г. н.э.
"AD" is used for years after the common era.
The battle took place in 31 BC.
Битва произошла в 31 г. до н.э.
"BC" after the number.
BCE and CE provide non-religious terminology corresponding approximately to BC and AD.
For example, 44 BCE and 476 CE.
44 BCE
44 г. до н.э.
"BCE" means before the Common Era.
476 CE
476 г. н.э.
"CE" means Common Era.
The Roman Empire fell in 476 CE.
Римская империя пала в 476 г. н.э.
"CE" is used in academic contexts.
The philosopher lived in 300 BCE.
Философ жил в 300 г. до н.э.
"BCE" is non-religious terminology.
The event is dated to 1000 CE.
Событие датируется 1000 г. н.э.
"CE" corresponds to AD.
The conventional BC/AD and BCE/CE calendar systems do not contain a year zero.
The sequence goes from 1 BCE to 1 CE.
The sequence goes from 1 BCE to 1 CE.
Последовательность идёт от 1 г. до н.э. к 1 г. н.э.
There is no year zero in the BC/AD system.
There is no year zero in the conventional calendar.
В традиционном календаре нет нулевого года.
The calendar jumps from 1 BC to AD 1.
1 BC is followed by AD 1.
1 г. до н.э. следует за 1 г. н.э.
No year zero.
Astronomers sometimes use a year zero.
Астрономы иногда используют нулевой год.
But historical BC/AD does not.
The concept of year zero is absent in BC/AD.
Понятие нулевого года отсутствует в BC/AD.
Conventional system omits year zero.
In is normally used before a year when identifying when something happened.
For example, She was born in 1990 and The company started in 2020.
She was born in 1990.
Она родилась в 1990 году.
"In" is used before a year.
The company started in 2020.
Компания начала работу в 2020 году.
"In" + year.
We met in 2015.
Мы встретились в 2015 году.
"In" before a specific year.
He graduated in 2008.
Он окончил университет в 2008 году.
"In" with year.
The war ended in 1945.
Война закончилась в 1945 году.
"In" + year.
Since introduces a year as the starting point of a continuing situation.
For example, I have lived here since 2020.
I have lived here since 2020.
Я живу здесь с 2020 года.
"Since" introduces a starting year.
She has worked there since 2015.
Она работает там с 2015 года.
"Since" + year.
We have been friends since 2010.
Мы дружим с 2010 года.
"Since" marks the starting point.
He has been ill since 2021.
Он болен с 2021 года.
"Since" with year.
They have known each other since 2005.
Они знают друг друга с 2005 года.
"Since" + year.
By identifies a deadline or point no later than a specified year.
For example, The project must be completed by 2030.
The project must be completed by 2030.
Проект должен быть завершён к 2030 году.
"By" indicates a deadline year.
Submit the report by 2025.
Отправьте отчёт к 2025 году.
"By" + year.
The building will be finished by 2027.
Здание будет закончено к 2027 году.
"By" as a deadline.
We need to decide by 2024.
Нам нужно решить к 2024 году.
"By" + year.
She will retire by 2035.
Она выйдет на пенсию к 2035 году.
"By" with future year.
From ... to expresses a span between two years.
For example, The study covered the period from 2010 to 2020.
The study covered the period from 2010 to 2020.
Исследование охватывало период с 2010 по 2020 год.
"From ... to" expresses a span between years.
We lived there from 2005 to 2010.
Мы жили там с 2005 по 2010 год.
"From ... to" with years.
The war lasted from 1914 to 1918.
Война длилась с 1914 по 1918 год.
"From ... to" for historical periods.
She worked there from 2012 to 2018.
Она работала там с 2012 по 2018 год.
"From ... to" with years.
The company expanded from 2015 to 2020.
Компания расширялась с 2015 по 2020 год.
"From ... to" span.
A decade is commonly written with a pluralized decade number ending in -s.
For example, the 1980s refers to the years 1980 through 1989.
The 1980s refers to the years 1980 through 1989.
1980-е относятся к годам с 1980 по 1989.
"The 1980s" is a decade.
Music changed a lot in the 1980s.
Музыка сильно изменилась в 1980-х.
"The 1980s" as a decade.
She grew up in the 1980s.
Она выросла в 1980-х.
"The 1980s" decade.
The 1980s were a time of change.
1980-е были временем перемен.
"The 1980s" plural.
Many films from the 1980s are still popular.
Многие фильмы 1980-х до сих пор популярны.
"The 1980s" decade.
The 2020s refers to the ten-year period from 2020 through 2029.
For example, technology changed rapidly during the 2020s.
The 2020s refers to the ten-year period from 2020 through 2029.
2020-е относятся к десятилетнему периоду с 2020 по 2029 год.
"The 2020s" is a decade.
Technology changed rapidly during the 2020s.
Технологии быстро менялись в 2020-х.
"The 2020s" decade.
We are living in the 2020s.
Мы живём в 2020-х.
"The 2020s" current decade.
The 2020s have seen many changes.
2020-е увидели много изменений.
"The 2020s" plural.
She started her career in the 2020s.
Она начала карьеру в 2020-х.
"The 2020s" decade.
Informal writing may abbreviate a decade by omitting the first two digits, commonly using an apostrophe before the remaining digits.
For example, the '80s means the 1980s or another decade depending on context.
The '80s means the 1980s.
'80-е означают 1980-е.
"The '80s" is an informal abbreviation.
She loves music from the '80s.
Она любит музыку 80-х.
Apostrophe before digits.
The '80s were a colorful decade.
80-е были ярким десятилетием.
Informal abbreviation.
He grew up in the '90s.
Он вырос в 90-х.
"The '90s" abbreviation.
The fashion of the '80s is back.
Мода 80-х вернулась.
Apostrophe used for decade.
Decade names normally take a plural -s without an apostrophe when the digits are fully written.
For example, the 1990s and the 2020s, not the 1990's or 2020's.
The 1990s were a time of change.
1990-е были временем перемен.
"1990s" takes plural verb.
The 2020s have been challenging.
2020-е были сложными.
Decades are plural.
She lived through the 1980s.
Она пережила 1980-е.
"1980s" plural.
The 2000s saw rapid growth.
2000-е увидели быстрый рост.
"2000s" plural.
The 1960s were revolutionary.
1960-е были революционными.
Decades take plural.
Early and late can identify approximate portions of a decade.
For example, the early 1990s, the mid-1990s, and the late 1990s.
The early 1990s were difficult.
Ранние 1990-е были трудными.
"Early" modifies the decade.
The mid-1990s saw economic growth.
Середина 1990-х увидела экономический рост.
"Mid-" with decade.
The late 1990s were prosperous.
Поздние 1990-е были процветающими.
"Late" modifies decade.
She was born in the early 2000s.
Она родилась в ранних 2000-х.
"Early 2000s".
The late 1980s brought change.
Поздние 1980-е принесли перемены.
"Late 1980s".
Mid can combine with a decade name to refer approximately to the middle part of that decade.
For example, The company expanded in the mid-1980s.
The company expanded in the mid-1980s.
Компания расширилась в середине 1980-х.
"Mid-1980s" refers to middle part.
She started her career in the mid-1980s.
Она начала карьеру в середине 1980-х.
"Mid-1980s".
The mid-1980s were a boom time.
Середина 1980-х была временем бума.
"Mid-1980s" as a period.
He moved there in the mid-1980s.
Он переехал туда в середине 1980-х.
"Mid-1980s".
The fashion of the mid-1980s was distinctive.
Мода середины 1980-х была distinctive.
"Mid-1980s".
Decade is a singular countable noun referring to a period of ten years.
For example, over the past decade and during the next decade.
Over the past decade, technology has advanced.
За последнее десятилетие технологии продвинулись.
"Decade" is a singular countable noun.
During the next decade, we will see changes.
В следующем десятилетии мы увидим изменения.
"Decade" refers to ten years.
She has worked here for a decade.
Она работает здесь десятилетие.
"Decade" as a period.
The last decade was challenging.
Последнее десятилетие было сложным.
"Decade" singular.
A decade is ten years.
Десятилетие — это десять лет.
Definition of decade.
A decade ago refers to a period of approximately ten years before the present or another reference point.
For example, We first met a decade ago.
We first met a decade ago.
Мы впервые встретились десятилетие назад.
"A decade ago" means about ten years before now.
She moved here a decade ago.
Она переехала сюда десятилетие назад.
"A decade ago" from present.
The building was constructed a decade ago.
Здание было построено десятилетие назад.
"A decade ago".
He started his business a decade ago.
Он начал свой бизнес десятилетие назад.
"A decade ago".
A decade ago, things were different.
Десятилетие назад всё было иначе.
"A decade ago".
The phrase the first decade can refer to different ten-year periods depending on the historical or numerical reference system, so context should clarify the intended interval.
For example, the first decade of the twenty-first century conventionally refers to 2001–2010.
The first decade of the twenty-first century conventionally refers to 2001–2010.
Первое десятилетие двадцать первого века обычно относится к 2001–2010.
"The first decade" depends on reference system.
The first decade of the 1900s is 1900–1909.
Первое десятилетие 1900-х — это 1900–1909.
Different from 1901–1910.
Historians debate the exact boundaries of the first decade.
Историки спорят о точных границах первого десятилетия.
Context clarifies intended interval.
The first decade of the 2000s is often taken as 2000–2009.
Первое десятилетие 2000-х часто принимается как 2000–2009.
Everyday usage.
The first decade can be ambiguous without context.
Первое десятилетие может быть неоднозначным без контекста.
Need context.
Centuries are conventionally named with ordinal numbers rather than cardinal numbers.
For example, the twentieth century and the twenty-first century.
The twentieth century saw many changes.
Двадцатый век увидел много изменений.
Centuries are named with ordinal numbers.
The twenty-first century began in 2001.
Двадцать первый век начался в 2001 году.
"Twenty-first century" ordinal.
She was born in the twentieth century.
Она родилась в двадцатом веке.
"Twentieth century".
The nineteenth century was an age of industry.
Девятнадцатый век был веком промышленности.
Ordinal century name.
We live in the twenty-first century.
Мы живём в двадцать первом веке.
"Twenty-first century".
The first century covers years 1–100, the second covers 101–200, and each later century follows the same pattern.
For example, the twentieth century covers 1901–2000 and the twenty-first covers 2001–2100.
The first century covers years 1–100.
Первый век охватывает годы с 1 по 100.
"First century" is years 1–100.
The twentieth century covers 1901–2000.
Двадцатый век охватывает 1901–2000.
"Twentieth century" is 1901–2000.
The twenty-first century covers 2001–2100.
Двадцать первый век охватывает 2001–2100.
"Twenty-first century" is 2001–2100.
The second century covers 101–200.
Второй век охватывает 101–200.
Pattern continues.
The nineteenth century covers 1801–1900.
Девятнадцатый век охватывает 1801–1900.
"Nineteenth century" is 1801–1900.
The number naming a century is one greater than the first two digits of most years within it.
For example, 1900 is in the nineteenth century, while 1901 begins the twentieth century.
1900 is in the nineteenth century.
1900 год находится в девятнадцатом веке.
1900 is in the 19th century, not 20th.
1901 begins the twentieth century.
1901 год начинает двадцатый век.
1901 is the start of the 20th century.
2000 is in the twentieth century.
2000 год находится в двадцатом веке.
2000 is in the 20th century.
2001 begins the twenty-first century.
2001 год начинает двадцать первый век.
2001 starts the 21st century.
The number naming a century is one greater than the first two digits.
Число, называющее век, на единицу больше первых двух цифр.
For 1900, first two digits 19, century 20th.
The 1900s commonly refers to 1900–1909, while the twentieth century covers 1901–2000.
These expressions are related but are not interchangeable.
The 1900s commonly refers to 1900–1909.
1900-е обычно относятся к 1900–1909.
"The 1900s" as a decade.
The twentieth century covers 1901–2000.
Двадцатый век охватывает 1901–2000.
"Twentieth century" is broader.
She was born in the 1900s.
Она родилась в 1900-х.
"The 1900s" decade.
The twentieth century included two world wars.
Двадцатый век включал две мировые войны.
"Twentieth century" century.
The 1900s and the twentieth century are not interchangeable.
1900-е и двадцатый век не взаимозаменяемы.
Different intervals.
The 2000s commonly refers to 2000–2009, while the twenty-first century begins in 2001.
These expressions overlap in everyday usage but represent different numerical intervals.
The 2000s commonly refers to 2000–2009.
2000-е обычно относятся к 2000–2009.
"The 2000s" as a decade.
The twenty-first century begins in 2001.
Двадцать первый век начинается в 2001 году.
"Twenty-first century" starts 2001.
She grew up in the 2000s.
Она выросла в 2000-х.
"The 2000s" decade.
The twenty-first century covers 2001–2100.
Двадцать первый век охватывает 2001–2100.
"Twenty-first century" century.
The 2000s and the twenty-first century overlap but differ.
2000-е и двадцать первый век пересекаются, но различаются.
Not interchangeable.
A century can be divided into its first and second halves to describe broad historical periods.
For example, the first half of the twentieth century and the second half of the nineteenth century.
The first half of the twentieth century saw two world wars.
Первая половина двадцатого века увидела две мировые войны.
"First half of the twentieth century" broad period.
The second half of the nineteenth century was a time of industrial growth.
Вторая половина девятнадцатого века была временем промышленного роста.
"Second half of the nineteenth century".
She lived in the first half of the twentieth century.
Она жила в первой половине двадцатого века.
"First half" of century.
The second half of the twentieth century saw technological advances.
Вторая половина двадцатого века увидела технологические достижения.
"Second half" period.
The first half of the nineteenth century was romantic.
Первая половина девятнадцатого века была романтичной.
"First half" of century.
Early and late can describe approximate periods within a century.
For example, the early twentieth century and the late nineteenth century.
The early twentieth century saw many inventions.
Ранний двадцатый век увидел много изобретений.
"Early" modifies century.
The late nineteenth century was a time of change.
Поздний девятнадцатый век был временем перемен.
"Late" modifies century.
She was born in the early twentieth century.
Она родилась в раннем двадцатом веке.
"Early twentieth century".
The late twentieth century brought the internet.
Поздний двадцатый век принёс интернет.
"Late twentieth century".
The early nineteenth century was a period of revolution.
Ранний девятнадцатый век был периодом революций.
"Early nineteenth century".
The turn of the century refers approximately to the period when one century changes to another.
For example, around the turn of the twentieth century.
Around the turn of the twentieth century, many changes occurred.
На рубеже двадцатого века произошло много изменений.
"Turn of the century" refers to transition period.
The turn of the century brought new technology.
Рубеж века принёс новые технологии.
"Turn of the century" approximately when one century changes.
She was born around the turn of the century.
Она родилась на рубеже века.
"Turn of the century".
At the turn of the twenty-first century, the internet was growing.
На рубеже двадцать первого века интернет рос.
"Turn of the twenty-first century".
The turn of the century is a period of transition.
Рубеж века — это период перехода.
Definition.
A millennium is a period of one thousand years.
For example, the third millennium began in 2001 under conventional Gregorian calendar numbering.
A millennium is a period of one thousand years.
Тысячелетие — это период в тысячу лет.
Definition.
The third millennium began in 2001.
Третье тысячелетие началось в 2001 году.
"Third millennium" began 2001.
We are living in the third millennium.
Мы живём в третьем тысячелетии.
"Third millennium" current.
The second millennium covered 1001–2000.
Второе тысячелетие охватывало 1001–2000.
"Second millennium" period.
The first millennium began in year 1.
Первое тысячелетие началось в 1 году.
"First millennium" starts year 1.
Millennia are conventionally numbered in the same way as centuries, with the first millennium covering years 1–1000.
For example, the second millennium covers 1001–2000.
The first millennium covers years 1–1000.
Первое тысячелетие охватывает годы с 1 по 1000.
"First millennium" is years 1–1000.
The second millennium covers 1001–2000.
Второе тысячелетие охватывает 1001–2000.
"Second millennium" is 1001–2000.
The third millennium began in 2001.
Третье тысячелетие началось в 2001 году.
"Third millennium" starts 2001.
Millennia are numbered like centuries.
Тысячелетия нумеруются как века.
Same pattern.
The first millennium ended in 1000.
Первое тысячелетие закончилось в 1000 году.
Ends year 1000.
Historical periods can be expressed using individual years, decades, centuries, or larger periods depending on the precision required.
For example, in 1066, during the eleventh century, or in the medieval period.
In 1066, the Norman conquest took place.
В 1066 году произошло норманнское завоевание.
"In 1066" specific year.
During the eleventh century, many changes occurred.
В одиннадцатом веке произошло много изменений.
"During the eleventh century" period.
In the medieval period, castles were built.
В средневековый период строились замки.
"In the medieval period" larger period.
The event happened in 1215.
Событие произошло в 1215 году.
"In 1215" specific year.
During the Renaissance, art flourished.
В эпоху Возрождения искусство процветало.
"During the Renaissance" historical period.
Approximate years can be introduced with around, about, approximately, or by other context-dependent expressions.
For example, around 1900, about 500 BCE, and approximately 2,000 years ago.
Around 1900, the city grew rapidly.
Около 1900 года город быстро рос.
"Around" indicates approximation.
About 500 BCE, the philosopher lived.
Около 500 г. до н.э. жил философ.
"About" with BCE.
Approximately 2,000 years ago, the event occurred.
Примерно 2000 лет назад произошло событие.
"Approximately" with years ago.
The building was constructed around 1750.
Здание было построено около 1750 года.
"Around" + year.
She was born about 1980.
Она родилась около 1980 года.
"About" + year.
Year ranges can be written with from ... to, between ... and, a hyphen, or an en dash depending on context.
For example, from 2010 to 2020 and 2010–2020.
from 2010 to 2020
с 2010 по 2020 год
"From ... to" expresses range.
between 2010 and 2020
между 2010 и 2020 годами
"Between ... and" range.
2010–2020
2010–2020
En dash can indicate range.
from 1900 to 1950
с 1900 по 1950 год
"From ... to" with years.
between 1800 and 1900
между 1800 и 1900 годами
"Between ... and".
Use correct year pronunciation, decade pluralization, century numbering, and prepositions when referring to historical periods.
Common mistakes include writing 1990's instead of 1990s, confusing the twentieth century with the 1900s, saying in the twenty-first century for a specific year without the correct preposition, and misidentifying century boundaries.
The 1990s were a great decade.
1990-е были отличным десятилетием.
Correct: "1990s" not "1990's".
The twentieth century covers 1901–2000.
Двадцатый век охватывает 1901–2000.
Correct: 20th century is 1901–2000.
She was born in 1985.
Она родилась в 1985 году.
Correct: "in" + year.
The 1900s refers to 1900–1909.
1900-е относятся к 1900–1909.
Correct: "1900s" as decade.
I have lived here since 2010.
Я живу здесь с 2010 года.
Correct: "since" + starting year.