Hi,
Would like to know from your opinions on the difference by using PAST and LAST in the below sentences:
He has lived in UK in the PAST 5 years
He has lived in UK in the LAST 5 years.
Thanks.
Alex
2006-08-25 23:12:26 · 5 answers · asked by Alex Tran 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Both mean basically the same thing. Try using "he most recently lived in England for 5 years" or "he lived in England for the previous 5 years"
2006-08-29 17:12:13 · answer #1 · answered by galopin_1872 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think there's often a difference between both sentences.
For example: we are in the month of August at present. So, the past five years include the period of time between August/2001 and August/2006. Now, the last five years are the years 2001 (beginning January) through 2005 (ending December). The last five years don't include the present year (2006).
If we were in the beginning of January 2006, the difference would negligible.
2006-08-26 06:47:01 · answer #2 · answered by JC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
past: a 5 year span living in the UK
last: the 5 years before this year living in the UK
2006-08-26 06:17:40 · answer #3 · answered by keran_guy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Past will be defined by date or year frame. Past five years, it could be in any five years of span in previous.
Last five years is immediate last five years from the current date.
2006-08-26 06:52:00 · answer #4 · answered by Zia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use past just to stay safe.
2006-08-26 06:24:52 · answer #5 · answered by Redeemer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋