In recent weeks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In recent weeks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to events or developments that have occurred in the last few weeks leading up to the present moment. Example: "In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable increase in community engagement at local events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In recent weeks, those odds have shifted.

The New York Times

In recent weeks he has outdone himself.

The Economist

In recent weeks, the W.H.O.

The New York Times

In recent weeks the Pres.

The New Yorker

In recent weeks, Roquefort feels menaced again.

The New York Times

In recent weeks relations have been contentious.

Forbes

In recent weeks we neglected that duty".

BBC

In recent weeks, she had started using a cane.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

In recent weeks, journalists questioned these tactics.

Vice

In recent weeks, IS has proved Zawahiri wrong.

Vice

In recent weeks, de Blasio has been riding high.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "In recent weeks", ensure the time frame is relevant and adds value to your statement. Avoid using it if the specific weeks are not crucial to the information conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "In recent weeks" if you need to refer to a time frame longer than a month or so. For longer periods, use phrases like "in recent months" or "in the past year".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In recent weeks" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a prepositional phrase acting as an adjunct. According to Ludwig AI, it modifies a verb or clause by specifying a timeframe. Examples from Ludwig show it commonly introduces or provides context for events or trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "In recent weeks" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial modifier, indicating a timeframe leading up to the present. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to set the stage for describing events or trends within that period. While alternatives like "over the past few weeks" exist, "In recent weeks" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice for establishing a temporal frame of reference. Its high frequency and presence in authoritative sources underline its reliability in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Over the past few weeks

Alternative phrasing with slightly more emphasis on the duration.

In the last few weeks

Similar meaning, emphasizing the finality of the time period.

During the last several weeks

Highlights the continuous nature of the time period.

Lately

More concise, less specific about the exact duration.

In the weeks just past

Emphasizes the immediacy of the time frame.

Of late

More formal and less common alternative to "lately".

In recent times

Broader time frame, not limited to just weeks.

In the preceding weeks

Focuses on the weeks leading up to a specific event, not necessarily the present.

Since recently

Highlights the change that has occurred starting not long ago.

In the current weeks

It focuses attention on the present weeks.

FAQs

How can I use "In recent weeks" in a sentence?

Use "In recent weeks" to introduce events or changes that have occurred in the period leading up to the present. For instance, "In recent weeks, the company has announced several new partnerships".

What are some alternatives to "In recent weeks"?

Alternatives include "over the past few weeks", "in the last few weeks", or "lately", depending on the level of formality and specificity required.

Is it correct to say "During recent weeks" instead of "In recent weeks"?

While "during recent weeks" isn't grammatically incorrect, "In recent weeks" is more common and natural-sounding in contemporary English usage.

What is the difference between "In recent weeks" and "In the past few weeks"?

The phrases "In recent weeks" and "in the past few weeks" are largely interchangeable. However, "In recent weeks" might subtly suggest a slightly shorter and more immediate timeframe than "in the past few weeks".