During + a time period (including a dash between two dates) [closed]

Question

During 2000-2010

If I say it in English, should I say "during 2000 and 2010" or something else?

Answer 1

Usually the en-dash is verbalized as "to":

It happened during 2000–2010 = "It happened during two thousand to twenty ten."

With that said, this sounds like awkward construction to my ear. I would say that it's much more common to see:

...between 2000 and 2010.

...during the period 2000–2010. (pronounced "to" as shown above)

...during the period 2000 to 2010.

More generally, the en-dash (used for number ranges; slightly longer than a hyphen) can be spoken as either "to" or "through":

The en dash is used to represent a span or range of numbers, dates, or time. There should be no space between the en dash and the adjacent material. Depending on the context, the en dash is read as “to” or “through.” (Source)

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As a side note, you will frequently see:

*...between 2000–2010.

Because the en-dash is typically pronounced as "to," this construction, though common, is considered less than ideal. It is preferably to write the conjunction out:

...between 2000 and 2010.

...or to use from/to:

...from 2000 to 2010.

For reference:

A span of years (such as “2009–2012”) or any other time range includes an en dash. (And note that “from 2009–2012” and “between 2009–2012” are incorrect; either use both from and to, or between and and, or neither.) (Source)