in the last few years vs In the last years

The correct phrase is 'in the last few years.' The addition of 'few' is necessary to indicate a specific, limited time period. 'In the last years' is not a common or correct phrase in English.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 4394 views

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

"in the last few years"

This phrase is used to refer to a specific, limited time period that is close to the present. It indicates a timeframe within the recent past.

Examples:

In the last few years, technology has advanced rapidly.
I have visited several countries in the last few years.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: October 23, 2024

17 hours ago ... If you've been burgled in the last few years, how did they get into your home? Adulting. There has been a spate of burglaries around my way ...
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?
Dec 24, 2023 ... What was the best horror movie in the last few years? My family celebrated Xmas early so I'm making tomorrow a movie day. Upvote 34. Downvote
May 23, 2019 ... In the last few years, Dr. Nancy Snyderman lost her father, left her job at NBC News, let go of her identity as a Journalist (capital J) and ...
Jul 1, 2024 ... In the last few years, I definitely got into board climbing, using mostly wooden holds for hands, focusing on the extremely physical part of ...
Missed too much of this in the last few years. Phys, swim, chill. Good for the soul. Thanks for all the continued kind comments. Considering next...
Dec 3, 2010 ... Hello, Can you tell me if the expression "in the last few years" must always go with a perfect tense? Thank you for you help :-)
Mar 16, 2023 ... 342 likes, 83 comments - leeheyhey on March 16, 2023: "If we've spoken in the last few years, there's a good chance I've mentioned NUVET ...
Nov 8, 2016 ... I've lived more in the last few years than most people have in their lifetimes and I'm thankful to TESOL for providing me with the confidence ...

Alternatives:

in recent years
over the past few years
in the past few years
in recent times
in the recent past

This phrase is not correct in English. It lacks the word 'few,' which is necessary to specify a limited time period.

"In the last years"

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 29, 2024

May 17, 2016 ... ... in the last years of life. The evidence is limited to spending from just one insurance program (e.g., Medicare)(5, 6); or only focuses on ...
Feb 10, 2024 ... Different paintings I did in the last years ... I'm a recreational artist, only painting for me. I get the most satisfaction from the process of ...
Caregiving in the last years of life is associated with increased depression and negative health outcomes for surviving spouses, many of whom are themselves ...
Oct 30, 2021 ... ... (in the last years of his life, he shaved off his mustache). Image. r ...
Jul 16, 2019 ... In the last years of his life, I was fortunate enough to befriend this extraordinary man. He was humble, with a GIANT heart – a legendary ...
In the last years of his life, Karl Marx expanded his research in new directions—studying recent anthropological discoveries, analyzing communal forms of ...
Abstract. To assess black-white differences in disability and morbidity in the last years of life, the authors analyzed data from the National Health Inter.
Jun 3, 2019 ... Caregiving in the last years of life is associated with increased depression and negative health outcomes for surviving spouses, ...
Powering Down Coal: Navigating the economic and financial risks in the last years of coal power. Coal 30 November 2018. Show Key Resources Hide Key ...
HealthCare Costs and Choices in the Last Years of Life. Hospitals and Health Networks, March 2015. Many U.S. patients endure pointless treatments because ...

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....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

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

in the last few years vs In the last years