during the previous years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during the previous years" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a time period that has occurred before the current year, often in a context discussing trends, changes, or experiences over that time. Example: "During the previous years, we have seen significant improvements in our sales figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The accumulation of debt occurred during the previous years of Repubican political control.

The New York Times

The declines were widespread in 2002 -- more so than during the previous years of the bear market.

The New York Times

Only a few months had passed since the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland -- at that time the most recent and spectacular of a number of terrorist attacks and hijackings that, during the previous years, had been directed against United States airlines and American passengers.

The New York Times - Travel

The ontology language OWL has become increasingly important during the previous years.

Data & Knowledge Engineering

Therefore, it was imperative to evaluate the agriculture land use changes resulting from these bioenergy strategies and its effect on the regional water quality, especially in a region like central Germany, an area where the land use was agriculture-dominant and had experienced increased biofuel production during the previous years.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Considering the three main ports of the country, as a unit we realize a slightly differentiated picture, since, despite a distinct last period of decline, we cannot certainly shape the claim that during the previous years there is a strong positive influence in the other two ports by a developmental event like the Olympic Games.

European Transport Research Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Under my arm was a pile of photographs taken during the previous year.

The Guardian - Arts

The hospital had only performed the procedure once during the previous year.

The New York Times

Half the population said they had not dined out during the previous year.

The New York Times

That is up from 377 million dollars during the previous year.

The New York Times

In 1991 only 17% reported receiving any training during the previous year.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "during the previous years", ensure the timeframe is clearly defined or implied by the context. This helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "during the previous years" when a more specific timeframe (e.g. "last three years") would provide greater clarity. The phrase is best when the general trend over several years is important, not precise durations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during the previous years" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time frame in which an action or event occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "during the previous years" serves as a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a period leading up to the present. As Ludwig AI points out, it is readily usable in English writing. Predominantly found in scientific and news media contexts, it provides temporal context, clarifying when events or trends transpired. To ensure clarity, define the timeframe when using "during the previous years". For greater precision, consider alternatives like "in recent years" or "over the past years", based on the nuance you intend to convey. The provided examples showcase a diverse array of applications from various reliable sources, illustrating both its adaptability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in prior years

A slightly shorter and more direct way of saying "during the previous years".

in the preceding years

A more formal alternative, indicating years that came before a specific point in time.

over the past years

Emphasizes the passage of time and the accumulation of events.

in the years before

A simpler and more general way of referring to a past period.

in recent years

Focuses more on the recency of the period, implying a shorter timeframe closer to the present.

throughout the last few years

Highlights the continuity of events or conditions over a short period.

during the earlier years

Refers to a time in the more distant past, earlier in a sequence of events.

over recent history

Broader timeframe and more formal tone, suggesting a significant historical context.

in the not-so-distant past

Focuses on the relative closeness of the period while implying it is no longer the present.

in yesteryear

A more poetic and less precise way of referring to the past.

FAQs

How can I use "during the previous years" in a sentence?

You can use "during the previous years" to describe trends, changes, or events that occurred in the years leading up to the present. For example, "During the previous years, the company experienced significant growth."

What are some alternatives to "during the previous years"?

Alternatives include "in recent years", "over the past years", or "in the preceding years", depending on the context.

Is "during the previous years" formal or informal?

"During the previous years" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives like "in prior years" might be preferred in more formal writing.

What's the difference between "during the previous year" and "during the previous years"?

"During the previous year" refers to a single year, while "during the previous years" refers to a period of multiple years. The choice depends on whether you are discussing a single year or a span of years.