in recent times
In recent times, remote work has become much more common.
Over the last few years, working from home has increased significantly.
during the period of time that has just passed
In recent times, climate change has become a major global concern.
Over the past few years, climate change has gained significant attention worldwide.
Artificial intelligence, in recent times, has transformed many industries.
AI has recently had a significant impact on various sectors.
Commonly used in formal writing or academic contexts to refer to events or changes that have occurred in the near past. Often interchangeable with 'recently' or 'lately', but may sound more formal or deliberate.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid redundancy
Do not pair 'in recent times' with 'now' or 'present' (e.g., 'in recent times now'). The phrase already implies a connection to the present.
Gold Rule
Formal tone
Use 'in recent times' in formal writing (academic, reports, essays) rather than casual conversation. For everyday speech, prefer 'recently' or 'lately'.
Word Origin
The phrase combines the preposition 'in' (from Old English 'in') with 'recent' (from Latin 'recens', meaning 'fresh' or 'new') and 'times' (plural of 'time', from Old English 'tīma'). The structure has been used in English since at least the 17th century to refer to a period close to the present.
Usage Notes
This phrase is typically used in formal or written contexts rather than casual speech. It emphasizes the passage of time more than 'recently' or 'lately', which focus more on the present moment. Avoid overusing it in essays as it can sound repetitive; vary with synonyms like 'of late' or 'in the past few years'.