This is one of those journalistic tics I truly hate: the “more than X” formula. From a recent AP report:
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – When Republican Mitch McConnell was elected to the U.S. Senate more than 24 years ago, he didn’t think he’d ever be where he is today.
More than 24 years, you say? There are lots of numbers that are more than 24. What does the headline say?
I like to imagine these AP guys sending out invitations for their kids’ eighth birthday parties: “When Muffin was born, more than seven years ago ….”