in the recent past

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in the recent past' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to events that have happened within the recent past, but not too long ago (e.g. the past few months, weeks, or even days). For example, you could say, "In the recent past, scientists have made significant breakthroughs in the field of renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That had worked in the recent past.

The Guardian

In the recent past, however, more research has been published.

Journal of Hydrology

Preference is given to work done in the recent past.

Columbia University

However, in the recent past, this limitation has been overcome.

Encyclopedia of Modern Optics

(The play is set in the recent past).

The New York Times

There's been plenty of chat in the recent past.

The Guardian - Sport

America lived through a similar experience in the recent past.

The Economist

She, too, has had travails in the recent past.

Independent

This has happened more than once in the recent past.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, there are clues half-buried in the recent past.

The New York Times

His concerns have roots in the recent past.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify the time frame (e.g., "in the last decade") if the 'recent past' is ambiguous in the context.

Common error

Avoid using "in the recent past" without providing sufficient context, as interpretations of 'recent' can vary. Clearly define or imply the period you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the recent past" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying a time frame. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct. It indicates when an action occurred or a state existed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the recent past" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to specify a timeframe for events or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and indicates its widespread use across diverse sources. The analysis shows its prevalence in news, science, and academic contexts, with a neutral to formal tone. While "in the recent past" is generally well-understood, providing additional context or specifying the timeframe can enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Recently

A more concise adverb conveying the same timeframe, suitable for less formal contexts.

Lately

Similar to 'recently' but can also suggest a trend or pattern over a short period.

In recent times

Slightly more formal and emphasizes the contemporary nature of the period.

In the last few years

Specifies a broader, but still relatively short, timeframe.

Not long ago

More informal and emphasizes the brevity of the elapsed time.

In the preceding period

A more formal and academic way to refer to the time just before a specific point.

Just previously

Emphasizes the immediacy of the past events.

In the immediately preceding time

Highlights that the events took place directly before the moment of reference.

In the days/weeks/months before

More specific and uses more familiar terms, pointing to how close the events occurred to the reference point.

As of late

Similar to 'lately,' suggesting a recent change or trend.

FAQs

How can I use "in the recent past" in a sentence?

Use "in the recent past" to refer to events or periods that occurred not long ago. For example, "In the recent past, there have been significant advancements in artificial intelligence."

What are some alternatives to "in the recent past"?

You can use alternatives such as "recently", "lately", or "in recent times", depending on the desired level of formality and specific nuance.

Is it more appropriate to say "in the recent past" or "in the near past"?

"In the recent past" is generally more common and widely accepted. "In the near past" is less frequently used, though understandable. Consider the context and audience when choosing between them.

Can "in the recent past" be used to describe events that happened decades ago?

No, "in the recent past" typically refers to a timeframe of a few years or less. For events that happened decades ago, use phrases like "in the distant past" or "many years ago".