the year before last

[Unregistered]

Dear Sir/Madame,

I need some help with the following expression: "the year before last"

Books claim that "the year before last" = "last year", whereas I understand it as "2 years ago". Thus, I would like to know what the whole logic behind this expression is.

Thank you in advance,

Sveto

[Trance Freak]

Dear Sir/Madame,

I need some help with the following expression: "the year before last"

Books claim that "the year before last" = "last year", whereas I understand it as "2 years ago". Thus, I would like to know what the whole logic behind this expression is.

Thank you in advance,

Sveto

I'm not a teacher...
Could be "last year" if we took in consideration that we are at the end of this year. As if we were already in 2010.

[Raymott]

Dear Sir/Madame,

I need some help with the following expression: "the year before last"

Books claim that "the year before last" = "last year", whereas I understand it as "2 years ago". Thus, I would like to know what the whole logic behind this expression is.

Thank you in advance,

Sveto

The year before last was 2007. When you say "Books claim ...", which books are you talking about?

[sg_georgiev]

The year before last was 2007. When you say "Books claim ...", which books are you talking about?

GMAT Official Guide 10/ Critical Reasoning Question #203

Journalist: In physics journals, the number of articles reporting the results of experiments involving particle
accelerators was lower last year than it had been in previous years. Several of the particle accelerators at major
research institutions were out of service the year before last for repairs, so it is likely that the low number of
articles was due to the decline in availability of particle accelerators.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the journalist’s argument?
(A) Every article based on experiments with particle accelerators that was submitted for publication last year
actually was published.
(B) The average time scientists must wait for access to a particle accelerator has declined over the last several
years.
(C) The number of physics journals was the same last year as in previous years.
(D) Particle accelerators can be used for more than one group of experiments in any given year.
(E) Recent changes in the editorial policies of several physics journals have decreased the likelihood that
articles concerning particle-accelerator research will be accepted for publication.