“Global warming is measured out in decades…even years.” - Six Degrees, National Geographic Channel
What about odd years?
Look. If that writer can keep his job, the economy should be a snap for me.
Actually, I see nothing wrong with the statement as written. We normally would expect to see a progression, such as, “Global warming is measured out in decades - even centuries”, however, going from larger to smaller (decades to years) seems also OK and relevant. It probably would be better to rewrite the sentence: “Global warming is normally measured out in decades, but sometimes even yearly changes can be observed”.
I wouldn’t take that if I were you, Nano. What right does he have to be making remarks about your ears? 
djm
I don’t see how this can be defended except as an idle exercise, a fishing expedition. In context I could only construe the intent as one of extension of time - of course, maybe the narrative was so badly written that even that wasn’t intended.
I just think that we deserve better. Call me fussy.
I suppose what he was trying to say is that the effects of global warming are accelerating.
I agree it’s a very poorly written sentence.
It’s almost as if there were no standards in place which public writers must meet.
–James
I believe Doug and James may be right, but an editor still should not have let that pass without clarifying.
When I first read the title of this thread, I thought of the John Dowland song, “Come again”, which I used to sing and play with the guitar. From Wikopedia:
"Come Again, sweet love doth now invite. is a song for soloist and lute or for small choir (typically SATB) by John Dowland.
The song is in typical bitter-sweet Dowland style and the first verse reads
Come again, sweet love doth now invite.
Thy graces that refrain, to do me due delight.
To see, to hear, to touch, to kiss, to die,
with thee again in sweetest sympathy.
It was published in his “First Booke of Songes or Ayres” (1597).
I’m with Doug. There’s nothing wrong with that sentence.
In fact, by defying your expectations, the author has made his point more memorable.
When I first read the title of this thread, I thought Nano had started selling Viagra online.
Just when I thought I understood global warming, I discover it’s something sold by old-fashioned grocers in brown paper bags. I’ll have two decades worth for my basement please.
Please don’t. “Decades…even years…”??? Come on.
Could you explain that? Illustrate for me my expectations, and tell me of the author’s point.