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 The last year

Both "last year" and "the last year" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Last year" refers to the year immediately preceding the current one, while "the last year" is used to refer to the most recent complete year. They are not interchangeable.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1735 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Last year "

Use "last year" to refer to the year immediately preceding the current one. It is a common expression in English.

Examples:

  • I visited Paris last year.
  • Last year was a challenging time for everyone.
  • What did you do last year?
  • She graduated from college last year.
  • Last year's sales figures were impressive.
  • Last year, the Sheppard wedding.
  • Last year, we helped 124,000.
  • Last year, the Lessini Durello appellation turned 30.
  • Last year, approximately 264,000 people underwent lip-plumping surgery.
  • Last year was the biggest year.
  • Last year Djokovic celebrated his victory at 2015 finals.
  • Last year, Schroders acquired a stake in Nutmeg.
  • Last year, company introduced many interesting and amazing handsets.
  • Last year there were 13 million.
  • Last year 9000 jobs were lost in Germany.
  • Last year I graduated from Minsk state linguistic university.
  • Last year Greece expelled 80,000 persons.
  • Last year, a new pattern began to show itself.
  • Last year it was Jason Pierre-Paul's Missing Fingers.
  • Last year a storm swallowed up my husband and daughter.
  • Last year, it was also warm.
  • Last year, Japan imported one million, nine...
  • Last year, I took a more conceptual approach to the valentine.
  • Last year we didn't have one Qatari woman filmmaker.
  • Last year, 47 companies bid on major Homeland Security contracts.

Alternatives:

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

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"The last year"

Use "the last year" to refer to the most recent complete year. It is less common than "last year" but still grammatically correct.

Examples:

  • The last year has been full of challenges.
  • I have learned a lot in the last year.
  • The last year of high school is usually stressful.
  • She has made a lot of progress in the last year.
  • The last year's results were outstanding.
  • The last year has seen a considerable increase in the number of human rights dialogues.
  • Somewhere in the last year it would appear they've vanished.
  • The last year has shown that the EU can take important decisions in difficult situations.
  • You know... I've enjoyed the last year.
  • The last year... I have been dreaming, and fantasizing, and in love with Furio.
  • Crime rate's tripled the last year alone.
  • They've tripled their military budget in the last year.
  • Sensei Matta yoga bought 20,000 acres there, all within the last year.
  • Each one is a patient insured by Noble that died within the last year.
  • They're all Noble patients who died within the last year.
  • Our 10th case in the last year.
  • Jamie Kirk... he's been arrested three times in the last year alone.
  • That's more money than you made in the last year.
  • The one stable point in her life for the last year...
  • For the last year, I've tried to find clarity.
  • An anterior cruciate ligament that was repaired in the last year.
  • Luis was an almost constant presence at the house the last year.
  • But I've grown a lot in the last year.
  • I was in Congo for the last year.
  • You performed an autopsy on all four in the last year.

Alternatives:

  • the most recent year
  • the previous year
  • the year that just passed

Related Comparisons

"since last year" vs "since the last year" "last year" vs "past year" "year" vs "cities are poorly planned" "year" vs "it rains through out a year" "through out a year" vs "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