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 • 9683 views

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

"for the last few years"

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

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

"for the last couple of years"

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

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

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

"for the last few years"

"for the last couple of years"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text