Understanding the Difference Between 'Last Year' and 'In the Last Year'

The phrases 'last year' and 'in the last year' are quite often used in writing and speaking to refer to the previous period. However, they have distinct differences in meaning and usage. Understanding these differences is crucial for clear communication and adhering to proper English grammar rules.

What Does 'Last Year' Mean?

'Last Year' is a short, succinct phrase that refers to a specific time period, encompassing the entire calendar year that immediately preceded the current one. It is commonly used in everyday speech and informal contexts to indicate a completed action that occurred during this defined period.

Example:

I went to Mexico last year.

Here, 'last year' clearly indicates that the action of going to Mexico took place in the year immediately preceding the current year.

What Does 'In the Last Year' Mean?

'In the Last Year' is slightly more formal and is generally used to emphasize a specific event or situation within the preceding 365-day period. This phrase is particularly useful when discussing recent events or updates related to ongoing processes or data collection.

Example:

I have visited Florence and Milan in the last year.

Here, 'in the last year' suggests that both visits to Florence and Milan occurred during the current calendar year, up until the present moment. The use of 'have visited' indicates the application of the present perfect tense, highlighting the relationship between the past action and its impact on the present.

Key Differences

The primary distinction between the two phrases lies in their specificity and the tense they require. 'Last Year' refers to the entire 365-day period without implying any continuing action from that time, thus necessitating the use of the simple past tense. On the other hand, 'In the Last Year' is often paired with the present perfect tense to signify a connection between a past event and its effect on the present.

Example:

1. Last year I visited Rome.

2. In the last year I have visited two other Italian cities.

In the first sentence, the simple past tense 'visited' is used, indicating a completed action of visiting Rome during the previous year. In the second sentence, the present perfect tense 'have visited' is appropriate, as it describes a series of related actions that have occurred within the ongoing 365-day period up to the present moment.

Clarification with a Specific Date Example

To illustrate the distinction further, let’s consider a specific date: 27th May 2023. The period referred to as 'in the last year' would be from 28th May 2022 to 27th May 2023, inclusive. Conversely, 'last year' specifically refers to the period from 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2022.

Example:

1. In the last year: 28th May 2022 – 27th May 2023

2. Last year: 1st January 2022 – 31st December 2022

In this example, 'in the last year' captures the entire 365-day period up to and including the date of this statement, while 'last year' only covers the calendar year 2022.

Conclusion

By understanding the subtle but significant differences between 'last year' and 'in the last year', you can enhance your writing and speech with greater precision and adherence to proper grammatical rules. Whether you're referring to the entirety of the previous year or specific events within that year, choosing the correct phrase will improve the clarity and impact of your communication.