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a few years ago vs few years ago

Both phrases are correct. However, they're used in different contexts. "A few years ago" is used to indicate a small, indefinite number of years in the past, while "few years ago" implies a more specific, limited number of years in the past.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 26, 2024 • 17279 views

a few years ago

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate an indefinite small number of years in the past.

This phrase is used to refer to a vague or unspecified number of years in the past. It implies a non-specific time frame.

Examples:

A few years ago, I visited Paris for the first time.
She started learning Spanish a few years ago.
A few years ago, we used to go hiking every weekend.
I read that book a few years ago.
A few years ago, I was still in college.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 09, 2024

Nov 12, 2017 ... It is not generally used in written English. It means the same thing as a few years ago, it's just a different phrasing.
3 days ago ... ... r/SalsaSnobs - Went to Mexico a few years ago and asked the chef of. Upvote 4.9K Downvote 131 Go to ...
Jun 18, 2020 ... I would say that "a few years ago" (with or without the "now") is about three to seven years ago, whereas "a fair few years ago" is more than that.
Jul 15, 2024 ... A few years ago @laurence_servaes and I took care of this incredibly sweet dog named Carson. Only later did we learn he's a famous dog, ...
Sep 6, 2024 ... A few years ago our community fundraised over $200,000 for Max, a DeafBlind teenager who never had access to DeafBlind education.
Sep 23, 2024 ... A few years ago I left my position as store manager at a small chain retail shop to go back to being a barista at an indie coffee shop.
Apr 7, 2023 ... This hit home. A few years ago, I did a presentation through work on the importance of the customer experience - how it's far more than ...
Mar 28, 2023 ... A few years ago (i can't even believe that much time has passed now), during covid and right when lockdown hit, I wasn't sure how ...
Mar 18, 2024 ... A few years ago, becoming a Harvard University student seemed out of reach, a dream I had never even dared to dream. Three years ago ...

Alternatives:

Several years ago
Some years ago
A couple of years ago
A handful of years ago
A small number of years ago

few years ago

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a specific, limited number of years in the past.

This phrase is used to refer to a small and specific number of years in the past. It implies a more defined time frame.

Examples:

Few years ago, I used to live in New York.
He joined the company few years ago.
Few years ago, we went on a road trip together.
I met her few years ago at a conference.
Few years ago, I was working as a teacher.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 09, 2024

Nov 12, 2017 ... ... is not generally used in written English. It means the same thing as a few years ago, it's just a different phrasing.
Jun 18, 2020 ... I would say that "a few years ago" (with or without the "now") is about three to seven years ago, whereas "a fair few years ago" is more than that.
Nov 26, 2022 ... usually people look younger a few years ago. but yeah you are right eminem looked younger a few years ago. Upvote 1. Downvote Reply reply
Sep 23, 2024 ... Anna, Pet Portrait Artist (@luxurychoccie). 23 Replies. 131 Likes. A few years ago I left my position as store manager at a small chain ...
Oct 11, 2023 ... 10 votes, 12 comments. I started grad school a few years ago and things are now settling and there is some semblance of stability and free ...
May 15, 2013 ... Wich one is correct? - Their collaboration started a few years ago - Their collaboration started few years ago.
Mar 29, 2020 ... So I bought assassin's creed - the first game - a few years ago and I bought Assassin's creed rogue remastered on the 14 November 2018.
Jul 15, 2024 ... A few years ago @laurence_servaes and I took care of this incredibly sweet dog named Carson. Only later did we learn he's a famous dog, ...
Sep 6, 2024 ... A few years ago our community fundraised over $200,000 for Max, a DeafBlind teenager who never had access to DeafBlind education.
Sep 19, 2024 ... Throwback to a few years ago when some incredible men from the West Point band (42nd Infantry Division Band) covered my song “Cinderella.

Alternatives:

Several years ago
Some years ago
A couple of years ago
A handful of years ago
A small number of years ago

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