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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to a past period with 过去 (guòqù)

    Aspect & Tense
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    在 + 过去 + Time Duration + 内

    Explanation

    The word 过去 (guòqù) can function as a noun meaning 'the past' or a time phrase meaning 'in the past.' When used before a time duration, as in 在过去三周内, it means 'within the past three weeks.' It frames the action as having occurred during a defined earlier period.

    Examples

    • 在过去两年里，这座城市变化很大。

      Zài guòqù liǎng nián lǐ, zhè zuò chéngshì biànhuà hěn dà.

      In the past two years, this city has changed a lot.

    • 过去的事情就不要再想了。

      Guòqù de shìqíng jiù bùyào zài xiǎng le.

      Don't think about things that have already passed.

    • 在过去三个月内，公司的业绩有了明显提高。

      Zài guòqù sān gè yuè nèi, gōngsī de yèjì yǒu le míngxiǎn tígāo.

      In the past three months, the company's performance has improved significantly.

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