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word usage - "In recent years" vs "in the recent years"


Do we write in the recent years or in recent years? For example,



In the recent years, the influence of blablabla on blablabla has grown rapidly.


In recent years, the influence of blablabla on blablabla has grown rapidly.



As far as I know, both are correct. But which one sounds more natural (more correct from a native speaker's point of view) or does it not matter?



Answer



Native speakers would generally prefer the second. The article is unnecessary and awkward. Both are correct. Personally, I find them all awkward and am much more likely to say things like "over the last few years" or just "recently".


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