What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recent
Example
I read a recent article about climate change. [recent: adjective]
Example
The company has undergone recent changes in management. [recent: adjective]
new
Example
I bought a new phone yesterday. [new: adjective]
Example
The company is launching a new product line next month. [new: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
New is more commonly used than recent in everyday language. New is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while recent is often used in news or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recent and new?
Both recent and new can be used in formal and informal contexts, but recent may be more commonly used in academic or technical writing, while new is more versatile and can be used in everyday language.