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for the last few years vs for the last couple of years

Both these phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They're interchangeable and express a similar meaning of referring to a recent period of time. The choice between the word 'few' and the word 'couple' depends on the speaker's preference or the specific context.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: December 06, 2024 • 9461 views

for the last few years

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a recent period of time.

This phrase is used to indicate a period of time that extends back from the present moment, typically more than two years but not a specific number.

Examples:

I have been working at this company for the last few years.
For the last few years, she has been studying abroad.
He has been living in that city for the last few years.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 19, 2024

May 22, 2009 ... What is the difference between "in the last few years" and "for the last few years" used in The present perfect tense?
Jun 22, 2024 ... For the last few years, I was extremely lucky to work with three of the most talented PhD students, Haitham Khedr , Wael Fatnassi, ...
Sep 12, 2024 ... I have been doing a persona marathon for the last few years ... Finished p3 reload and currently playing through the dlc, never played other atlus ...
May 7, 2024 ... For the last few years, Jack and I would take a back to back photo on his birthday to mark the year he passed me up in height (shocker…it ...
Nov 9, 2024 ... 1124 likes, 43 comments - matt_ginella on November 9, 2024: "For the last few years, whenever I'm anywhere near Austin, I get messages: “Go ...
LA!! My home for the last few years! Sooo how about a last min Friends & Family this Friday??? Got some biiiiig names stopping through to drop some...
Feb 28, 2023 ... brennanclost on February 28, 2023: "For the last few years, my parents have been telling us to prepare ourselves for this, but wow nothing ...
May 7, 2024 ... For the last few years, Jack and I would take a back to back photo on his birthday to mark the year he passed me up in height (shocker…it ...
Jan 8, 2018 ... I have for the last few years tried to publicly prototype the ideas I am interested in and then converted into workshops.

Alternatives:

for the past few years
over the last few years
in the last few years
during the last few years
throughout the last few years

for the last couple of years

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a recent period of time.

This phrase is used to indicate a period of time that extends back from the present moment, typically around two years but not a specific number.

Examples:

I have been learning Spanish for the last couple of years.
For the last couple of years, they have been renovating their house.
She has been volunteering at the shelter for the last couple of years.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 19, 2024

Apr 18, 2024 ... For the last couple of years our good friend and brother, Elias Gonzales, known to most as "Chief", has been fighting Follicular Lymphatic ...
For the last couple of years, I have been dedicating time every day to learn Torah, be it Daf Yomi and/or other subjects. This all started after I...
Nov 9, 2021 ... I have been inactive on Goodreads for the last couple of years for many reasons but before then I posted many reviews. I went to post a ...
Sep 3, 2024 ... For the last couple of years, I've been silently weathering a dark and tumultuous storm, suffering the invisible injury of a mild concussion ...
For the last couple of years, I have been finding holes in the front yard. Lots of them. yard-holes. March 8, 2024 / Updated: March 8, 2024 / Lena Shore
Jun 6, 2024 ... For the last couple of years I've been enjoying travelling the world with my son @george.hayden9 • There is no way I could've developed.
Jul 22, 2023 ... My EDC for the last couple of years. Bought it new in the box off my ... It's been my favorite pistol since.
Jul 31, 2024 ... I love how VC fund executives for the last couple of years have been on full 'gyaan-mode' on what it takes to build a business (most of them with no building ...
Sep 28, 2024 ... For the last couple of years the minimum was set at ~$55,000. Teams will instead have to abide by minimum salaries in the states in which ...
Feb 12, 2018 ... (since/for)...the last couple of years.' I think that it should be 'since', but the key answer said it is 'for' So I am quite confused because ...

Alternatives:

for the past couple of years
over the last couple of years
in the last couple of years
during the last couple of years
throughout the last couple of years

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