of recent times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'of recent times' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to events that have taken place recently or recently developed trends. For example: Social media has become an incredibly powerful tool of recent times.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Scotland of recent times might well have imploded.

The Guardian - Sport

These are not the Phillies of recent times.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems deliberate that Warburton chose to ignore the gory detail of recent times.

The Guardian - Sport

Would the world champions of recent times defeat those of, say, a century ago?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The attacks in Mumbai constitute one of the most ambitious terrorist operations of recent times.

The Guardian - Books

Ligeti is one of the most impressive figures of recent times.

The Guardian - Music

His death sparked the worst riots of recent times across cities and towns in England.

The Guardian

The result was one of the most unconventional conventionally popular novels of recent times.

The New Yorker

Few American writers of recent times have had his erudition and phenomenal memory.

The New Yorker

The action concludes with one of the great last lines of recent times.

The New Yorker

A new peace is breaking out after the drift of recent times.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of recent times" to provide a general timeframe without needing to specify exact dates or years. It works well when referring to trends, events, or changes that have occurred in the relatively near past.

Common error

While "of recent times" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "in the last decade" or "since 2010" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of recent times" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate a temporal context. It specifies that something has occurred or is relevant in the relatively near past. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of recent times" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to refer to the near past. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. While very common, its appropriateness varies by context; it's suitable for general writing, news, and business communications but may be less precise than required for formal academic or scientific writing. Alternatives like "in recent years" or "in current times" can offer nuanced variations. Remember to avoid overuse and consider more specific alternatives when greater precision is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in recent years

Focuses specifically on the past few years, implying a more measurable timeframe.

in recent memory

Emphasizes that the period is within the scope of what people can easily remember.

in the present era

Highlights the contemporary nature of the subject, emphasizing current conditions.

in current times

Stresses the ongoing nature of the period being referenced.

in today's world

Broadly refers to the present day, often in the context of societal or global changes.

lately

A more concise way of indicating something has happened recently.

in contemporary society

Highlights a focus on modern social contexts and issues.

in the modern age

Refers to the period after major historical shifts, such as the industrial revolution.

in the 21st century

Specifically pinpoints the current century as the relevant timeframe.

in our time

More personal and inclusive, referring to the speaker and audience's shared present.

FAQs

How can I use "of recent times" in a sentence?

You can use "of recent times" to refer to something that has occurred or become prevalent in the near past. For example, "The use of renewable energy has increased significantly "of recent times"".

What are some alternatives to "of recent times"?

Alternatives include "in recent years", "in recent memory", or "in current times", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "of recent times" formal or informal?

While "of recent times" is suitable for a range of contexts, it's generally considered more neutral. For very formal or academic writing, more specific phrases might be preferable.

What is the difference between "of recent times" and "in the past"?

"Of recent times" implies a more immediate past compared to "in the past", which can refer to any point before the present. "Of recent times" suggests events or trends that are still relevant or ongoing.