for the past few years vs for the last few years

Both 'for the past few years' and 'for the last few years' are correct and commonly used phrases in English. They are interchangeable and can be used to refer to a period of time that extends up to the present moment.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 1389 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a period of time that extends up to the present moment.

"for the past few years"

This phrase is used to indicate a time frame that started some time ago and continues up to the present moment.

Examples:

For the past few years, I have been working on this project.
She has been living in London for the past few years.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 14, 2024

Jun 13, 2014 ... But arguably in emphasizes that for the past few years you've been doing something you weren't doing before that, whereas over emphasizes ...
Oct 31, 2024 ... 33K likes, 231 comments - annacramling on October 31, 2024: "For the past few years I have DREAMT of winning a Streamer Award and this year ...
Jul 31, 2024 ... My go to players for the past few years. Can't stop signing them. Who are yours? DISCUSSION. This year is the first I've used LABROVIC and ...
Jan 21, 2024 ... For the past few years, I've received questions about what I do to stay in shape. Over the last 3 years, I have been training with ...
Dec 27, 2022 ... How I've been playing Verdict Day for the past few years. Not Real - April Fools Joke.
Feb 25, 2021 ... for the past few years i've been “living in the future”...so focused on where i want to go that i didn't enjoy where i was. that's how i ...
Feb 14, 2024 ... I'm been maining robot for the past few years now. This is a tier ...
Sep 3, 2014 ... in/for the past few years ; michieee · Japanese · #1 ; Thomas Tompion · English - England · #2 ; michieee · Japanese · #3 ; Thomas Tompion · English - ...
Oct 20, 2024 ... Skip to main content What has Honsou been doing for the past few years (wrong answers only) : r/IronWarriors.
Dec 28, 2021 ... For the past few years, I have been working on a new project, The Art of Starting Over: Awaken Your Swell Dame to Begin Again.

Alternatives:

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

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a period of time that extends up to the present moment.

"for the last few years"

This phrase is used to indicate a time frame that started some time ago and continues up to the present moment.

Examples:

For the last few years, I have been studying at university.
They have been traveling 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

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 past few years vs for the last few years