over previous years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over previous years" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a comparison or trend that has occurred during the years leading up to the present. Example: "The company's profits have steadily increased over previous years, demonstrating strong growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Schield said the organization has yet to file its 2013 tax return but believed it would show an increase in giving over previous years.

Los Angeles Times

The latest survey has shown a slight decrease over previous years in the level of influence.

The Guardian

It found gradual improvements over previous years, but still a lot of problems.

The Economist

Heading into August, Ms. Adams knew that sales were down over previous years, perhaps by as much as 20percentt.

The New York Times

For 2013, only four diplomats have not returned, which was an improvement over previous years, the ministry said.

The New York Times

For 2013, only four diplomats have not returned, which was an impovement over previous years, the ministry said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Some things had changed over the previous years.

The New York Times - Travel

And Ms. Krueger figures there is still another $1 billion left over from previous years' slush funds.

The New York Times

Improvements over the previous years have expanded the range of applications of rotary saw cutting.

Control Engineering Practice

These numbers rose to 16,769 (51.0%, a 22.8% increase over the previous year) and 6,058 (18.4%, a 70.4% increase over the previous year), respectively, in 1998.

BMC Public Health

Over all, that figure represented an increase of about 1 percent over the previous year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "over previous years", ensure the comparison is clear and the timeframe is well-defined. Providing specific data points or percentages will strengthen your statement.

Common error

Do not use "over previous years" without clarifying the specific period you are comparing. For instance, specify "over the previous five years" to avoid vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over previous years" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a timeframe for a comparison or trend. Ludwig examples show it describing increases, decreases, or improvements relative to past periods.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "over previous years" is a grammatically correct and usable adverbial phrase, although Ludwig indicates that it's relatively rare. It's used to show changes or trends across a span of past years. While it can be used in various contexts, it commonly appears in news, scientific, and business-related content. When using this phrase, it is important to clarify the specific timeframe being compared. Alternatives like "in prior years" or "during the preceding years" offer similar meaning with slight variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in prior years

Changes the preposition and adjective while keeping the temporal reference.

during the preceding years

Replaces "previous" with "preceding" for a more formal tone.

in the past several years

Emphasizes a shorter, more recent timeframe.

throughout the last few years

Highlights continuity across a recent period.

compared to earlier years

Focuses on a direct comparison with a less specific timeframe.

in years gone by

Uses a more poetic or nostalgic tone.

in former years

Suggests a more distant past.

historically

Simplifies to a general reference to the past.

in retrospect

Focuses on looking back at the past.

over the course of years

Emphasizes the duration and gradual change across years.

FAQs

How can I use "over previous years" in a sentence?

You can use "over previous years" to show a comparison or trend. For example, "The company's revenue increased significantly "over previous years"".

What are some alternatives to "over previous years"?

Alternatives include "in prior years", "during the preceding years", or "in the past several years", each varying slightly in formality and emphasis.

Is it better to say "over previous years" or "in recent years"?

The choice depends on context. "Over previous years" emphasizes a comparison across multiple past years. "In recent years" highlights events closer to the present.

Can "over previous years" be used to describe a decrease?

Yes, "over previous years" can describe either an increase or a decrease. For example, "Crime rates have fallen "over previous years"".