in recent years vs. for recent years

[LQZ]

Analysts think that migrant workers deserve the credit for China's economic miracle for recent years.


Dear teachers,

The above is made by me, but my friend argues that it should be "in recent years", because "in recent years" is commonly used.

But I think there is a difference between the two.

"For recent years" refers to the length of time something was happening.

"In recent years" tells you the time within which something happened, but doesn't tell you exactly when or for how long it was happening.

Am I right? Looking forward to your help. Thanks.


LQZ

[bhaisahab]

Analysts think that migrant workers deserve the credit for China's economic miracle for recent years.


Dear teachers,

The above is made by me, but my friend argues that it should be "in recent years", because "in recent years" is commonly used.

But I think there is a difference between the two.

"For recent years" refers to the length of time something was happening.

"In recent years" tells you the time within which something happened, but doesn't tell you exactly when or for how long it was happening.

Am I right? Looking forward to your help. Thanks.


LQZ

Your friend is right, you cannot use "for" in that sentence.

[LQZ]

Your friend is right, you cannot use "for" in that sentence.

Thank you, bhaisahab, for your relpy, but could you explain more to me?

[bhaisahab]

Thank you, bhaisahab, for your relpy, but could you explain more to me?

"For" should be followed by a period of time, "for 10 years", "for the last few years". "Recent years" is not a period of time.

[LQZ]

"For" should be followed by a period of time, "for 10 years", "for the last few years". "Recent years" is not a period of time.

Thank you, I've got it.