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past years vs past few years

Both "past years" and "past few years" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Past years" refers to a more general period in the past without specifying a specific number of years, while "past few years" indicates a more recent and specific timeframe. The choice between the two depends on the level of specificity you want to convey.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 770 views

past years

This phrase is correct and commonly used to refer to a general period in the past without specifying a specific number of years.

Use "past years" when referring to a general period in the past without specifying a specific number of years. It is a more general and less specific way of indicating a timeframe.

Examples:

  • In the past years, technology has advanced rapidly.
  • She has gained a lot of experience over the past years.
  • [Telegraph]. As in past years, the Moo Brew stout has had a lengthy maturation in wood. [Sydney Morning Herald]. The ghosts of golden generations past hover ...
  • Select a tax year below and then the right TurboTax product you need to complete your past years' taxes. If you've already purchased TurboTax, you can access ...
  • 2 days ago ... Facebook today unveiled a new feature that lets users look back at photos and posts from the current calendar date in past years. Called “On ...
  • Where can you get the answer sheets for past years papers? Speak to your tutor or ... How have boats changed in the past years? the boat has changed by the ...

Alternatives:

  • previous years
  • prior years

past few years

This phrase is correct and commonly used to refer to a specific and recent timeframe in the past.

Use "past few years" when referring to a specific and recent timeframe in the past. It indicates a more limited and defined period compared to just "past years."

Examples:

  • In the past few years, she has traveled to many countries.
  • Over the past few years, the company has seen significant growth.
  • These past few years have been difficult for her.
  • And we'd grown apart these past few years because...
  • People have suffered a lot these past few years.
  • In so doing, we have known for the past few years now that cattle fodder is one of the weak links in the food chain.
  • The past few years, I've overseen ketchup to great success.
  • And we'd grown apart these past few years because...
  • I've been very good to youNthese past few years.
  • In the past few years, mistreatment of older people has become a widespread phenomenon.
  • These past few years must have been pretty hard on you.
  • I haven't been around for the past few years.
  • Think about the past few years.
  • Several lessons may be drawn from the experience of the past few years.
  • Croatia deserves recognition for the results achieved in the past few years.
  • The past few years have been marked by much law-making.
  • One child in seven suffers from asthma and numbers have risen dramatically in the past few years.
  • In view of the experiences of the past few years, it would be advisable to take a critical look at the agricultural production system.
  • The thing is, we've all seen it now, the past few years, alien life.
  • My family have had a taste of what British forces and Iraqi families have gone through these past few years.
  • I am telling you, it is getting worse, these past few years.
  • He's probably experienced some kind of loss these past few years that started him down this path.

Alternatives:

  • recent years
  • last few years

Related Comparisons

the recent years vs recent years over the past years vs over the last years past few years vs Last few years over the past years vs in the past years over years vs during years

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