while this year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while this year" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate a comparison or contrast with the current year in relation to another time period. Example: "While this year has been challenging, last year was much easier." Alternative expressions include "during this year" and "in this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For a while this year, it looked like EMs were staging a comeback.

The Economist

His reputation destroyed, for a while this year it seemed the statute of limitations would shelter Cosby from criminal prosecution.

The Guardian

For a while this year, it looked as if Rudolph W. Giuliani might finally break that hex.

The New York Times - Books

Concealed under a plastic screen years ago, the glass blocks were exposed for a while this year, only to be covered up again.

The New York Times

REPUBLICANS For a while this year, it looked like the Republican primary in Texas might have been the climax to the contentious intraparty feud.

The New York Times

REPUBLICANS For a while this year, it looked as if the Republican primary in Texas might have been the climax to the contentious intraparty feud.

The New York Times

For a while this year, they benefited as crude oil prices dropped, while the fall in prices of retail gasoline was less rapid.

The New York Times

Before the avalanche starts, why not map out a little vacation for yourself, to get you away from your own garden for a while this year and to nurture your gardener's soul?

The New York Times - Style

Refreshingly, for a little while this year, Sweden was the exception to all this.

Huffington Post

While this year sees a $10.6bn larger deficit, the following three years are just as bad.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

BP has spent $159 million in the past two years to spur tourism to the Gulf Coast; business was reportedly up 50% in 2011 over 2010, while this year’s shrimp harvests are bigger than before the spill.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while this year" to draw a clear contrast between the current year and a previous year or a general trend. This helps to highlight changes or differences.

Common error

Avoid using "while this year" when you actually mean "during this year". The former implies a comparison or contrast, whereas the latter simply refers to a period of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while this year" functions as a temporal adverbial phrase, providing a temporal setting or context for the main clause. It introduces a contrast or comparison with a previous period, typically the previous year. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically sound phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while this year" is a temporal phrase used to draw a contrast with a previous time, commonly the preceding year. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable. It’s most frequently found in news and media contexts, where it helps to highlight changes and shifts in various situations. When using this phrase, ensure that a clear comparison is intended, and avoid using it simply to indicate time passing. As demonstrated in the Examples and per Ludwig, the phrase serves to point out notable differences from what came before.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

During this year

Uses a more direct preposition to indicate the time frame.

In the current year

Emphasizes the present year as the focal point.

This year in comparison

Explicitly frames the year in terms of a comparison.

This year as opposed to

Highlights a contrast with another unspecified time.

This year versus

A more concise way to express a comparison.

This year instead

Suggests a substitution or alternative action in the current year.

In contrast to previous years

Broader comparison against multiple past years.

Unlike earlier in the year

Contrasts a period within the same year.

This year in particular

Emphasizes the uniqueness or special characteristics of this year.

As for this year

Introduces a discussion specifically about the current year.

FAQs

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

Use "while this year" to introduce a contrast or comparison to a previous period. For example, "Last year, sales were down; "while this year", they've surged."

What's the difference between "while this year" and "during this year"?

"While this year" emphasizes a contrast or comparison, while "during this year" simply refers to a time period. It's like using the conjunction 'while' to highlight two different situations.

What are some alternatives to using "while this year"?

You can use alternatives like "in the current year", "during this year", or "this year in comparison" depending on the context.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct, especially when introducing a contrasting statement. For example, "Last year saw a decrease, "while this year" has shown significant improvement."