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Seraphin Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Past v last + time

Could someone please help with the following -

(a) In the past 2 years, 5 new models from Ford have been put forth into the car market.
(b) In the last 2 years, 5 new models from Ford have been put forth into the car market.

Are both expressions correct?
Are both expressions talking about "the same" thing?
Is there a general rule of thumb to use "past" and "last" in describing the time?

Great many thanks
  

Top answer

They both mean exactly the same thing. They have slightly different tones. "In the last 2 years" sounds slightly more upbeat and current; more positive.

— Anonymous

  • They both mean exactly the same thing.
  • They have slightly different tones.
  • "In the last 2 years" sounds slightly more upbeat and current; more positive.
  • "In the past two years" sounds a little slower, and a little less positive.
  • On another note, "put forth" is too archaic for this topic.
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2 Answers
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They both mean exactly the same thing. They have slightly different tones. "In the last 2 years" sounds slightly more upbeat and current; more positive. "In the past two years" sounds a little slower, and a little less positive. On another note, "put forth" is too archaic for this topic. I would consider "... models from Ford have been introduced into the car market"
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SeraphinAre both expressions correct?
Yes.
SeraphinAre both expressions talking about the same thing?
Yes.
SeraphinIs there a general rule of thumb to use "past" and "last" in describing the time?
No. They are the same.
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