last time around

USAGE SUMMARY

"last time around" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used as a way to refer to a previous situation or experience, i.e. to say that something happened before. For example, "I had a lot of trouble with this assignment last time around, so I'm making sure to double-check my work this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Last time around, a compromise emerged.

The Guardian - Business

"We weren't prepared the last time around," Sergeant Stewart said.

The New York Times

Last time around, I made a real stand in Florida.

The New York Times

Last time around, a lot of people were just dismissive.

The New York Times - Arts

Last time around, Mr. Gabelli supported Mr. Heyman.

The New York Times

Last time around, in 1997, Mr. Liu was the insurgent.

The New York Times

Last time around, in 1999, it won 10percentt.

The New York Times

"The issue last time around is that capital markets were coupled.

The New York Times

Last time around, in 1999, Mr Ben Ali won a mere 99.44% of votes cast.

The Economist

Last time around, they were the ones struggling with one another for power.

The New York Times

Last time around, he carried with him a tremendous amount of hope and expectations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "last time around" to provide context or compare a current situation with a past one. For example, "The project was delayed last time around, so we're starting earlier this year."

Common error

Avoid mixing tenses when using "last time around". Ensure the surrounding sentences are consistent in past tense to maintain clarity and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last time around" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something happened in relation to a previous occurrence. As Ludwig shows, it often provides context by referencing a past event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "last time around" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to reference a previous occurrence or event. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is primarily utilized in news and media contexts to draw comparisons between past and present situations. While generally informal, it's a useful way to provide context and highlight changes or continuities. Remember to maintain consistent tense usage and consider more formal alternatives like "previously" in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the previous occasion

This alternative emphasizes a specific prior event.

in the past

This alternative refers to a time before the present.

the last instance

This alternative focuses on a single, prior occurrence.

previously

This alternative is a single-word adverb that describes something that happened before.

in the prior case

This alternative refers to a specific prior situation or event.

in the preceding period

This alternative relates to a previous duration of time.

formerly

This alternative indicates a previous time or state.

earlier

This alternative describes a time that is before the present.

before

This alternative refers to a time preceding the current one.

in the days before

This alternative relates to a time preceding the current one.

FAQs

How can I use "last time around" in a sentence?

You can use "last time around" to refer to a previous situation or experience. For example, "We lost the game last time around, but we're better prepared now."

What are some alternatives to "last time around"?

Alternatives include "previously", "in the past", or "on the previous occasion", depending on the specific context.

Is "last time around" formal or informal?

"Last time around" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversation or writing. For more formal contexts, consider using "previously" or "on the previous occasion".

Can "last time around" be used to refer to events in the near future?

No, "last time around" is specifically used to refer to events that have already occurred. To refer to the next occurrence, use phrases like "next time" or "in the future".