these two years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "these two years" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific duration of time that spans the last two years from the present moment. Example: "These two years have been challenging, but they have also brought significant personal growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These two years have been momentous.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I thought I used these two years productively.

The New York Times

But during these two years I've lost a lot.

The New Yorker

Did Shakespeare travel in Europe during these two years?

The Guardian

That's the biggest thing I've learned over these two years".

The Guardian - Sport

But I'm really looking forward to these two years.

The Guardian - Sport

He added: "These two years, I've built up some experience.

The New York Times - Sports

These two years were really worth the wait".

The New York Times

"Even during these two years he has certainly got better".

Independent

"These two years have added so much sadness to my life.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mr. Stillman roughed it for these two years in the unheated milking barn.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "these two years", ensure the context clearly defines the specific period being referenced. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the start and end dates if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "these two years" without clearly establishing the timeframe in the context. Ensure the reader knows which two years are being discussed to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these two years" functions as a demonstrative adjective phrase modifying a noun (implied time period). It specifies a particular duration of time under consideration. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "these two years" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a specific two-year period. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly used in writing. It appears frequently in both News & Media and Scientific contexts. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to establish the precise timeframe being referenced. While generally neutral in register, the formality can be adjusted through surrounding vocabulary. Alternatives like "the last couple of years" or "the past two years" can provide similar meaning while altering the nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the last couple of years

Replaces "these" with "the last couple of", emphasizing recency.

the past two years

Directly states the timeframe as the period immediately preceding the present.

the previous two years

Indicates a period of two years prior to a specific reference point.

the recent two-year period

Adds emphasis on the limited timespan and the fact that is recent.

the last 24 months

Specifies the timeframe in months rather than years.

over the last two years

Focuses on an action or process that has occurred throughout the timeframe.

during the past couple of years

Similar to 'the past two years', but uses 'couple' to soften the exactness.

in the last two years

Emphasizes the inclusion of the specified timeframe within a broader context.

the two years in question

Refers to two years already mentioned or understood in the context.

the aforementioned two years

Formally references two years previously stated.

FAQs

How can I use "these two years" in a sentence?

You can use "these two years" to refer to a period spanning two years. For example, "These two years have been a time of significant change in the company."

What's a more formal alternative to "these two years"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "the preceding two years" or "the aforementioned two years". These alternatives provide a more professional and less conversational tone.

Is it correct to say "this two years" instead of "these two years"?

No, "this two years" is grammatically incorrect. Use "these two years" when referring to a plural timeframe. "This year" can be used to refer to the current year.

How does "these two years" differ from "the last two years"?

"These two years" generally implies a more specific, contextually defined period, while "the last two years" refers specifically to the two years immediately preceding the present.