TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

last year vs past year

Both 'last year' and 'past year' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Last year' refers to the most recent completed year before the current one, while 'past year' generally refers to any year before the current one, not necessarily the immediately preceding one.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1467 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"last year"

Use 'last year' to refer to the year immediately before the current one. It is used to talk about events, experiences, or situations that occurred in that specific year.

Examples:

  • I traveled to Europe last year.
  • Last year was a challenging time for many people.
  • Became a dermatologist last year, fellas.
  • It was a train derailment last year.
  • Immigration granted them refugee status last year.
  • The following happened in Texarkana last year.
  • For the last year, unemployment.
  • The last year I had anything.
  • A couple pledges got hospitalized last year.
  • We met some lovely young girls banana-boating last year.
  • The village thrashed us last year.
  • The village thrashed us last year.
  • Addyson transferred to Central High last year.
  • Only had it painted last year.
  • Mansfield fired seven guys last year.
  • Literally killed a guy last year.
  • Killed a lot of people in Odessa last year.
  • It started around Christmas last year.
  • He tripped over it last year.
  • His father spent the last year in jail.
  • Also, Grant survived a helicopter crash last year.
  • Flores volunteered for the Female Engagement Team last year.

Alternatives:

  • previous year
  • the year before
  • the year that just passed
  • the year that ended

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday English.

"past year"

Use 'past year' to refer to any year before the current one, not necessarily the immediately preceding one. It is more formal and less commonly used in casual conversation.

Examples:

  • Over the past year, I have learned a lot.
  • The company's performance has improved over the past year.
  • I know I've been missing in action the past year or so.
  • Eight times in the past year alone.
  • This past year with Schmidt's changed me.
  • Credit card says she stayed here one weekend a month for the past year.
  • You've come a long way this past year.
  • In the past year, we have presented 25 special reports.
  • We've been planning these exercises for the past year.
  • Avery regularly advertises in Auto Trader magazine and says Halbach has visited his home on assignment several times in the past year.
  • Certainly, the past year brought you something good.
  • But the past year has made its own mark.
  • Artistic results of the past year.
  • Troy Eli was arrested for petty theft twice in the past year.
  • There are certain precedents, particularly that of the past year.
  • As I said, 2500 Irish schoolteachers undertook development programmes in the past year.
  • In the past year both of these objectives have come under threat.
  • In the past year, the project was awarded the New Zealand Engineering Excellence Award.
  • The past year Rotterdam has grown more quickly in this field regarding the concurrent ports.
  • This past year more than seventy thousand people made the pilgrimage.
  • In the past year important progress was made.
  • Everything I did this past year.

Alternatives:

  • previous year
  • the year before last
  • the year that has gone by
  • the year that has elapsed

Related Comparisons

"Last year" vs "the past year" "since last year" vs "since the last year" "last 1 year" vs "past 1 year" "Last year" vs "The last year" "from last year" vs "from the last year" "the next year" vs "next year"

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.

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....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

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

People Feedback 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 :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

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

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

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

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

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

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"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."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

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

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo