adjective
1
BAD : Over the recent 30 years there has been a great deal of industrial development.
GOOD : Over the last 30 years there has been a great deal of industrial development.
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When you mention a number, use last (NOT recent ). Compare: 'In recent months house prices have fallen.' 'Over the last 12 months house prices have fallen.'
2
BAD : Tennis has become popular in Germany in the recent years.
GOOD : Tennis has become popular in Germany in recent years.
BAD : Recent years the crime rate has increased.
GOOD : In recent years the crime rate has increased.
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in recent weeks/months/years : 'Flight cancellations have increased in recent weeks.'