well this year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well this year" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing events, experiences, or changes that have occurred or are expected to occur within the current year. Example: "Well this year has been quite different from the last, with many unexpected challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This group of stocks has done very well this year.

The New York Times

We've played well this year.

BBC

Our team has finished pretty well this year.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, this year at Cannes a challenger emerged.

Independent

"I have been playing well this year.

The New York Times - Sports

Well this year, procrastination pays off.

The New York Times - Travel

That would mean, well, this year.

The New York Times

Many stocks did quite well this year.

The New York Times

Technology public offerings have performed reasonably well this year.

The New York Times

"But he's playing well this year," Stoudemire added diplomatically.

The New York Times - Sports

"I haven't played well this year, for sure.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well this year" to introduce a statement that contrasts with previous years or expectations. It works as a conversational opener to highlight something new or different about the current year.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple sentences or paragraphs with "well this year" in close proximity. Overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or repetitive. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use synonyms for "this year" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well this year" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify a timeframe. The interjection "well" serves as a discourse marker, often indicating a shift in topic or a contrast. Ludwig's examples show it is most commonly used to introduce a statement about the current year.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well this year" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a statement about the current year, often highlighting a change or contrast. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral to slightly informal tone. While acceptable, writers should avoid overusing "well" as a filler. Alternatives like "this year" or "so far this year" can provide more concise or formal options. Remember to use it purposefully to add emphasis or conversational flavor to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this year

Omits the introductory "well", focusing directly on the current year.

so far this year

Highlights that the year is ongoing and the situation might change.

thus far this year

A more formal way to indicate the period from the beginning of the year to the present.

during this year

Emphasizes the duration of the current year when describing an event or trend.

in the current year

A more formal and specific way to refer to the present year.

as of this year

Implies a change or new situation that has come into effect in the current year.

earlier this year

Refers to events or occurrences that happened in the first part of the year.

later this year

Indicates events that are expected or planned to happen in the remaining part of the year.

up to this year

Suggests a culmination or turning point reached in the current year.

until this year

Highlights a situation that was true until the start of the present year.

FAQs

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

You can use "well this year" to introduce a change, contrast, or new development compared to previous years. For example, "Well, this year the company has decided to focus on sustainability".

What's a more concise alternative to "well this year"?

A shorter alternative is simply "this year". It's more direct and avoids the potential filler word "well".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "well this year"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. "Well" functions as an introductory interjection, and "this year" specifies the timeframe. However, ensure it fits the tone and style of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "well this year" versus just "this year"?

"Well this year" is suitable when you want to add a slight emphasis or conversational tone, often to highlight a change or contrast. If you just want to state a fact about the current year, "this year" is sufficient.