in more recent years

USAGE SUMMARY

"in more recent years" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally refers to a time period in the relatively recent past, such as the last several decades or years. For example: "In more recent years, the internet has become more accessible and widely used."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In more recent years, though, there were setbacks.

The New York Times - Food

In more recent years, boundaries have not been so clear.

The New York Times

In more recent years, two high-profile prosecutions involved leaks.

The New York Times

In more recent years the profession has changed yet again.

The Guardian

In more recent years, Buffett has become a Rodriguez fan.

The New York Times

In more recent years, however, sport has taken on the trappings of modern business.

The Economist

In more recent years, Ministry adopted an antagonistic political agenda focussed on toppling the Bush Administration.

The New Yorker

In more recent years, however, the Ukrainian presence in the East Village has been shrinking.

The New York Times

In more recent years the correlation dropped somewhat but was still considered unnaturally high.

The Economist

In more recent years Mr. Slimane has worked as a photographer.

The New York Times

In more recent years, however, this role has been presented differently.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in more recent years", ensure that the time frame is clear to the reader. Specify the range of years if precision is important.

Common error

Do not use "in more recent years" without establishing a clear reference point. Without context, the reader may misinterpret the time period being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in more recent years" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. As Ludwig AI indicates, it sets a temporal context, indicating that a particular action, trend, or situation has occurred or become prevalent in the relatively recent past. It introduces a time frame for the described event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

46%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in more recent years" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate a temporal context, specifically highlighting a change or trend in the relatively recent past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. As demonstrated by the numerous examples provided, it is commonly found in both news and media, as well as scientific contexts, signifying its broad applicability. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to provide a specific timeframe or reference point when using this phrase. Alternatives such as "lately" or "in recent times" can be used depending on the specific nuance required. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "in more recent years" to contextualize information and showcase changes over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in more current years

Replaces "recent" with "current", offering a similar meaning.

in the past few years

More specific about the timeframe.

over the last few years

Emphasizes the duration leading up to the present.

in recent times

Slightly more formal and emphasizes the current period.

in recent decades

Refers to a longer timeframe than just "years".

as of late

More casual and conversational.

lately

Single word that has more general meaning as opposed to explicit time indication with "years".

in the contemporary era

More formal and encompasses a broader period.

in the modern era

Refers to a broad timeframe that is still current.

in this day and age

Highlights the present period, often with a sense of novelty or change.

FAQs

How can I use "in more recent years" in a sentence?

You can use "in more recent years" to show how something has changed over time, such as, "In more recent years, there has been an increase in the use of renewable energy."

What are some alternatives to "in more recent years"?

Alternatives include "lately", "in recent times", or "over the last few years", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more accurate to say "in recent years" or "in more recent years"?

"In more recent years" implies a comparison to a less recent period, while "in recent years" simply refers to the recent past. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting a change or just describing a recent trend.

How does "in more recent years" differ from "in the past few years"?

"In the past few years" specifies a shorter and more defined timeframe, whereas "in more recent years" is more general and can refer to a broader period, like the last several decades.