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 • 1220 views

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

I haven't been around for the past few years.
And for the past few years, you've been skimming money from PlanetMD to pay for Taliban attacks.
Now, whatever I've been like for the past few years, you can forget about it.
Now, folks, for the past few years, we have had a highly secret, special research unit that has been working on something that we like to call Project Samson.
So for the past few years, the coastal areas, they found themselves in a shortage of labor.
Your dad said you were seeing somebody pretty seriously for the past few years.
He's working for the past few years, going to N.A. meetings regularly.
Castle has spent practically every day in the precinct for the past few years.
I know her because I've been keeping an eye on her for the past few years.
He... he's been sponsoring rodeo riders for the past few years.
I've been consumed with perfection for the past few years.
Mr Florenz has been nagging me on this for the past few years.
And for the past few years, that person has been Dan.
All of those countries that have practised unsustainable economic policies for the past few years - including my own - need to realise that change is essential and inevitable.
I've been thinking, and Brian's been a really big part of my life for the past few years... and...
It is in our interests to forge links with a country where 50% of the population is under 20 years of age, and where GDP has risen by an average of 7% for the past few years.
If not, can the Council indicate what planet it has been living on for the past few years?
For the past few years, I haven't slept well.
For the past few years I have tabled amendments for various reasons to postpone or not sign off the Commission's and Parliament's accounts.
For the past few years, the Republic of Slovenia has been promoting the creation of a Euro-Mediterranean University in Piran (EMUNI).

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.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: October 29, 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?
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 ...
4 days ago ... It's disheartening to see all my effort for the last few years go to vain. Other temporary. Submitted EOIs for 190 QLD for IT support ...
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 ...
Jun 7, 2024 ... LEC hype videos have gotten really stale for the last few years. This latest teaser for Summer Split is kind of weird, like someone muted or ...
Jun 10, 2024 ... 788 likes, 192 comments - rolloskinner on June 10, 2024: "For the last few years I've been working away on something that has felt more ...
Sep 2, 2024 ... For the last few years in December and August, I've taken a pause from work and had revelations about life and work.
Jan 13, 2019 ... For the last few years I fought myself on what's next in my career. Questioned if it should be a clothing line...If it should be men's or ...
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...
Nov 1, 2023 ... 66 likes, 9 comments - thomasflintham on November 1, 2023: "For the last few years I've gotten in the habit of decorating my studio on ...

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