compared to last year

USAGE SUMMARY

"compared to last year" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adverbial phrase to compare an event or a situation to the same event or situation at some point in the past, usually the previous year. For example: "Sales figures have decreased compared to last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Compared to last year?

The New York Times

Our defence is slightly improved compared to last year.

The Guardian - Sport

Compared to last year at this time, this is nothing.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a big change for me compared to last year.

The Guardian - Sport

"Compared to last year, it was black and white".

The New York Times - Sports

That percentage is flat compared to last year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Traffic and sales were both up, compared to last year".

The New York Times

He added, "The stage is set for a much-improved holiday season compared to last year".

The New York Times

But compared to today?

The New York Times - Arts

"All indicators improved compared to 2009.

The Guardian

"Compared to today, it was nothing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compared to last year", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being measured or evaluated. For instance, "Sales increased by 20% compared to last year" is more effective than "Things are better compared to last year."

Common error

Avoid using "compared to last year" without ensuring that the baseline data (last year's figures) is accurately known and relevant. Inconsistent or inaccurate baselines can lead to misleading comparisons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compared to last year" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a temporal comparison. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

24%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compared to last year" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to establish a temporal comparison with the previous year. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's commonly found in news, business, and academic settings to contextualize trends and changes. For variety, consider using alternatives like "versus last year" or "year-over-year". Ensure clarity by specifying the aspect being compared and using consistent baselines. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "compared to last year" to provide valuable context in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

versus last year

Uses a single word to express comparison, simplifying the phrase.

in comparison to the previous year

Replaces "last year" with a more formal phrase.

compared with the prior year

Uses "prior year" instead of "last year", keeping the meaning intact.

year-over-year

Expresses the comparison as a compound adjective, suitable for concise reporting.

against the previous year

Employs a different preposition to indicate comparison.

in relation to last year

Replaces "compared" with "in relation to", offering a softer tone.

assessed against last year

Uses "assessed against" to emphasize evaluation in comparison.

when compared to the previous year

Adds "when" to form a subordinate clause, providing context.

analyzed against last year's data

Specifically mentions data analysis as the basis of the comparison.

as opposed to the year before

Offers a slightly more conversational way to express the comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "compared to last year" in a sentence?

You can use "compared to last year" to show a difference between something now and how it was in the previous year. For example, "Our profits are up 15% "compared to last year"".

What's a more formal way to say "compared to last year"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "in comparison to the previous year" or "year-over-year".

Is it always necessary to specify a percentage change when using "compared to last year"?

While specifying a percentage isn't always necessary, it provides a clear understanding of the magnitude of the difference. You can also use qualitative descriptions, such as "significantly better" or "slightly worse".

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "compared to last year"?

A common mistake is failing to clarify what specific aspect is being compared. Always make sure the context makes it clear what you're evaluating against the previous year.