this past year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this past year" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the year that has just concluded or the most recent year in a given context. Example: "This past year has been challenging for many businesses due to the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was the summer of 1967.

The New York Times

Trials of this idea are currently under way, one of which should report next year.

The Economist

Last year, during David Cameron's trip to Beijing, the same paper announced that Britain was "just an old European country apt [that is, suitable] for travel and study".

The Guardian - Opinion

"This result shows that this country has had enough.

The Guardian

This is wrong".

The New York Times

But is this right?

The New York Times

This is probably true.

The New York Times

There is a reason for this.

The New York Times - Sports

It wasn't always like this, of course.

The New York Times - Travel

This list is far from exhaustive.

The Guardian

As an environmentalist, and someone who believes that everyone in this world has a right to a healthy and nutritious diet of their choosing, I could not have chosen a more counter-productive path.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context. "This past year" refers to the year immediately preceding the present, so ensure it aligns with the timeline you're discussing.

Common error

Avoid assuming "this past year" refers to a different period. It specifically means the year leading up to the current date, not a fiscal year or any other arbitrary timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this past year" functions as a temporal adjunct, specifying the period of time relevant to the statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase, providing context for events or changes that occurred in the year preceding the present.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this past year" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase for denoting the year preceding the present. According to Ludwig, its usage is correct and versatile across various contexts. While alternatives like "last year" and "the previous year" exist, "this past year" provides a slightly nuanced emphasis. Its primary function is to establish a temporal context in discussions, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, avoid misinterpreting its specific timeframe, and consider the audience when choosing between "this past year" and its more formal counterparts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last year

A more concise way of referring to the year immediately preceding the current one.

the previous year

A more formal and explicit way to denote the year before the present.

in the past year

Focuses on events that occurred within the specified time frame.

the last 12 months

Specifies the duration more explicitly, focusing on a period of twelve months.

during the last year

Similar to 'in the past year', emphasizing a period during which events happened.

the year before

Similar to 'the previous year' but can be used in a broader context.

over the last year

Highlights the duration over which events have taken place.

the preceding year

More formal synonym for 'the previous year'.

the year just gone

An informal way to refer to the year that has ended.

the bygone year

Emphasizes the completion and passing of the year.

FAQs

What's the difference between "last year" and "this past year"?

While both refer to the year before the current one, "this past year" can sometimes add a slight emphasis on the year that has just concluded. "Last year" is a more direct and commonly used alternative.

How can I use "this past year" in a sentence?

"This past year" is typically used to set a time frame for events or changes. For example: "This past year has seen significant advancements in technology".

Is "this past year" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, "the previous year" may be preferred.

What are some alternatives to "this past year"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "last year", "the previous year", or "the last 12 months".