recently vs lately

Both 'recently' and 'lately' are adverbs used to indicate a short time ago, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Recently' is more commonly used to refer to a specific point in time that is not long ago, while 'lately' is used to describe a period of time leading up to the present moment.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1267 views

The word 'recently' is a commonly used adverb in English to indicate a short time ago.

"recently"

Use 'recently' when you want to refer to an event or action that occurred not long ago.

Examples:

I saw her recently at the store.
He recently started a new job.

Show examples from the web [+]

Ned Gordon, recently suspended FBI agent.
EU unfair trade law has been subject to changes recently.
They bought him a birthday present recently.
No, we moved here recently.
Somebody called me an Indian giver recently.
This pen has been fired recently.
This corvus brachyrhynchos has recently detached retinas.
No, but whatever, shocked recently.
And we understand you two were recently separated.
Tug recently won a property lawsuit against the Mobleys.
I met someone recently, actually.
Many operators have recently introduced tariff schemes reducing roaming charges to consumers.
Better than he has been recently.
He was admitted here for treatment recently.
I've seen those initials recently.
I've seen those initials recently.
And Braden Acklin was recently diagnosed with Asperger syndrome.
Another tall stack for my recently jilted friend.
I could tell that girl died recently.
He recently bought the Bee Meadow Winery.

Alternatives:

lately
of late
in the past few days
in the last few weeks
in the recent past

The word 'lately' is a commonly used adverb in English to describe a period of time leading up to the present moment.

"lately"

Use 'lately' when you want to talk about actions or events that have been happening in the recent past, leading up to the present moment.

Examples:

She has been feeling tired lately.
I haven't seen him around much lately.

Show examples from the web [+]

Things have been stirring there lately.
Things have been strained between us lately.
People who have influenced you lately.
Honesty hasn't been my strong suit lately.
Because there have been some irregularities lately.
George Michael has been acting strange lately.
Ducky has been pretty chipper lately.
Got some serious lapses in judgment lately.
Have a lot going on lately.
But it's gotten worse lately.
Apparently my choices have been a little controversial lately.
Our comedies have been criticized lately.
Lingerie hasn't exactly been my priority lately.
I've been really busy lately.
I've been touring nonstop lately.
Our friend inside's been a little restive lately...
All kinds of people acting crazy lately.
Seems you've been very busy lately.
I'm weirdly into smart guys lately.
Her field response has been wildly erratic lately.

Alternatives:

recently
of late
in the past few days
in the last few weeks
in the recent past

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recently vs lately

"recently"

"lately"

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