‘November of 2014’ or November of 2013’?

[diamondcutter]

It’s December, 2014. If someone says, ‘I went to London last November.’ Does the person mean ‘November of 2014’ or November of 2013’? What about his saying ‘I went to London last May.’? Thanks.

 

[Rover_KE]

It’s December, 2014. If someone says, ‘I went to London last November', does the person mean ‘November of 2014’ or November of 2013’? I'd take that to mean 2013.

What about his saying ‘I went to London last May'? I'd take that to mean 2014.

If it was important, I'd ask him to specify the year.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I agree that asking for clarification would be the best. However, for your first question, I would assume November 2013. If the speaker meant November 2014, he/she would likely have said "last month". For your second question, I would assume May, 2014.

 

[emsr2d2]

"Last November" would lead me to assume they meant November 2013. For November 2014, I would expect to hear "I went ... in November" or "I went ... last month".

 

[Tdol]

For November 2014, you could also use this November IMO. I would take last November to be 2013 too.