Last year at this time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Last year at this time" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a specific time or event that occurred one year ago from the current date. For example, "Last year at this time, we were preparing for the festival." Alternative expressions include "This time last year" and "At this time last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Last year at this time, there were 13 nationwide.

The New York Times

Last year at this time, my dad was not happy.

The New York Times - Style

Last year at this time, Whitmore was a balloon.

The New York Times - Sports

Last year at this time, rice cost $330 a ton.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Last year at this time, we were freezing," Mr. Cromarty said.

The New York Times

Last year at this time Avalon offered travelers $200 off, per person, versus $150 this year.

The New York Times - Travel

Last year at this time, I resolved: to "clean it, own it and enjoy it".

The New York Times

Last year at this time, Awesomeness had not introduced its MTV-esque programs.

The New York Times

Last year at this time, only 5,000 teachers had requested such consultations, she said.

The New York Times

Last year at this time, barely two-thirds of the tickets had been sold.

The New York Times - Sports

Last year at this time, the national average was $1.14 a gallon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing data, clearly state both the current information and the corresponding data from "Last year at this time" to provide a clear point of reference for the reader.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience knows the specific date or event you're referencing; always provide enough context to ensure clarity when using "Last year at this time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Last year at this time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It specifies when something occurred, providing a temporal reference point. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase sets a context for comparison.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Last year at this time" serves as a temporal marker to facilitate comparisons with the present, primarily found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage for contrasting or drawing parallels between situations a year apart. To maximize clarity, provide sufficient context to the referenced date or event. While versatile, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various communicative settings. Using "Last year at this time" helps readers quickly grasp changes or continuities over a one-year period, enriching understanding and providing valuable perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This time last year

Reverses the order of elements for a slight variation in emphasis.

This same period last year

Highlights the similarity in the period of time being referenced.

At this point in the previous year

Emphasizes a specific point in time relative to the preceding year.

A year ago at this moment

Adds specificity by pinpointing the same moment in the previous year.

One year prior, around now

Simplifies the expression, focusing on the relative timing.

Twelve months ago at present

Uses a more formal and precise measure of time.

The corresponding period of the last year

Adds a layer of formality and precision.

The equivalent time in the prior year

Uses more formal language to denote the corresponding time.

A year earlier, give or take

Introduces a degree of approximation in the comparison.

A year back, approximately now

Offers a more casual and less precise phrasing.

FAQs

How can I use "Last year at this time" in a sentence?

You can use "Last year at this time" to compare a situation or event to what was happening exactly one year before. For example, "Last year at this time, the company was struggling financially, but now it's thriving."

What is a more formal way to say "Last year at this time"?

A more formal alternative could be "During the corresponding period of the previous year". This phrase is suitable for business or academic contexts where precision is valued.

Is it correct to say "This time last year" instead of "Last year at this time"?

Yes, "This time last year" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used alternative with the same meaning. The choice between the two often depends on personal preference or the specific flow of the sentence.

What kind of information is usually compared using "Last year at this time"?

"Last year at this time" is frequently used to compare statistics, events, or personal experiences. For example, you might compare sales figures, weather conditions, or personal progress to what they were at the same point in the previous year.