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

for 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.

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.

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

for the last 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.

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.

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

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for the past few years vs for the last few years