核心问题
In years past they never would have done that.
句中的 In years past 是否应改为 In past years?
词典解答
形容词 past 作定语时,如同 desired, required, following 一样,既可以前置,也可以后置。下面列举一些 past 作前置定语和作后置定语的实例：
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Industrial management is the aspect of business management that has been most prominent in the United States for the past eighty years. (TOEFL) 工业管理是过去80年里在美国显得最为突出的经济管理的分支。
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I've not been feeling very well for the past few days. (LDCE) 在过去的几天里,我一直感觉不大舒服。
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This had been a war zone for some time past. (LDCE) 前些时候这里曾是作战区。
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in years past(CGEL) 在过去的年代里(参见 desired)