past history

Hi

I don't think that is a good idea because both "past" and "history" mean the same thing. There's no point in repeating the same idea ...

- History suggests that Abraham Lincoln was not a vampire hunter

- A study of the the past suggests that Abraham Lincoln was not a vampire hunter

Dave

Past history is sometimes seen, but as Dave says, is best avoided.

And what about recent histroy?

aditileoCan we use past and history together?

I would say so. Yes. It's certainly used frequently enough to be considered a normal combination even if it seems redundant. The same is true of 'recent history'.

CJ

Hi

"Recent history" is fine because it takes "history" and then says "I'm only talking about the part that has happened - say - in the last few years"

"Past history" does no such thing

OK, I accept you can say the same thing twice as a figure of speech

Dave

I think 'past history' is one of those expressions, like 'very unique' that teachers and purists object to and many lesser mortals use happily.There are over 200 citations for 'past history' in COCA.

And anyway, when 'history' is unmodified it tends to suggest human history from, for example, the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans to the present day, whereas 'past history' is used a little differently, often to mean 'past behavior' within the lifetime of a single person, group of people, or organization. At least that's the way I interpret 'past history'.

If past history is any guide,