What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fresh
Example
I prefer to buy fresh produce from the farmer's market. [fresh: adjective]
Example
The bakery sells fresh bread every morning. [fresh: adjective]
Example
The air outside smells so fresh after the rain. [fresh: adjective]
recent
Example
I read a recent article about climate change. [recent: adjective]
Example
In recent years, technology has advanced rapidly. [recent: adjective]
Example
The company had a recent merger with another business. [recent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fresh is more commonly used than recent in everyday language, especially when referring to food or smell. Recent is more commonly used in formal or academic contexts, such as research papers or news articles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fresh and recent?
Recent is generally more formal than fresh, as it is often used in academic or professional contexts. Fresh is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal situations, depending on the context.
