around two years ago

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around two years ago" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an approximate time frame in the past, typically when discussing events or experiences. Example: "I started learning Spanish around two years ago, and I've made significant progress since then."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

I began around two years ago.

The Guardian - Money

(It had been released in Canada around two years ago).

The New York Times

Mr. Derwish left town around two years ago, neighbors said, ostensibly for Yemen.

The New York Times

Around two years ago, American officials began expressing worries that Moscow could use the company's software to gather intelligence.

The New York Times - Tech

Carr began paddle boarding around two years ago, after being diagnosed with cancer, which is now in remission.

The Guardian

Back then, of course, was around two years ago, in the giddy days of the dot-com boom.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

This was around 2002.

The New York Times - Magazine

That was probably around 2002.

Independent

They averaged around 2,455 copies.

The New York Times

In the end we got around 3,000.

The New York Times - Magazine

Today, it's around 2,000.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "around two years ago", consider the context and adjust the phrase if greater precision is needed. For formal writing, "approximately two years ago" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "around two years ago" when the exact date or time is known. It implies an approximation, so use a specific date if accuracy is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around two years ago" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when an action or event occurred. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "around two years ago" is a versatile and commonly used temporal marker indicating that an event occurred approximately two years before the present. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical structure is correct, and it is appropriate for various contexts, especially in news and media. While "around two years ago" offers a general timeframe, it's important to use more precise language when accuracy is required. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "approximately two years ago". Remember that precision is key; avoid using approximations when exact dates are known. Its prevalence in reliable sources underscores its acceptance and utility in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple of years earlier

Emphasizes the 'couple' of years that have passed.

about two years back

Uses a more informal and conversational tone.

two years or so before

Adds a degree of uncertainty to the timeframe.

pretty close to two years back

Casual and emphasizes close approximation.

approximately two years prior

Emphasizes a more precise estimate of the time elapsed.

two years give or take

Explicitly acknowledges a possible margin of error.

roughly two years in the past

Provides a clearer indication of the time direction.

in the vicinity of two years ago

Uses a more formal and less common wording.

two years-ish ago

Very informal, expressing approximation.

around the time of two years past

More verbose, with a slightly archaic tone.

FAQs

How can I use "around two years ago" in a sentence?

You can use "around two years ago" to indicate that something happened approximately two years in the past. For example, "I started learning to play the guitar around two years ago".

What's the difference between "around two years ago" and "exactly two years ago"?

"Around two years ago" implies an approximation, while "exactly two years ago" indicates a precise date. Use "exactly two years ago" when you have a specific date in mind.

What can I say instead of "around two years ago"?

You can use alternatives like "approximately two years ago", "about two years ago", or "a couple of years ago" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "around two years ago"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "around two years ago" is commonly used and widely accepted in both written and spoken English to indicate an approximate time frame.