往年的英文：
in former years
in previous years

参考例句：

This year the whole nation has had better harvests than in the former years.
今年全国的收成超过往年。

The vintage was earlier than usual this year.
今年的葡萄收获季节来得比往年早。

Was it really hotter, or was he weaker?
是天气比往年热呢，还是自己的身体虚呢？

Christmas and the New Year had been celebrated at Gateshead with the usual festive cheer
圣诞节和新年，在盖兹海德和往年过节一样，欢欢喜喜庆祝过了。

In the season of joy I present my sincere wishes and kind thoughts. May the kind of Christmas outshine all the rest.
在这欢乐的时节给你我最真的祝福和亲切的思念,愿你今年的圣诞比往年更璀璨。

former是什么意思：
n. 形成者，模型
adj. 过去的，在前的，以前的，昔日的
pron. 前者

Without the latter, the former is of no avial.
没有后者，前者是无效的。

The former is a painter and the latter is a composer.
前者是一名画家，而后者是一名作曲家。

He was a former divinity student.
他以前是一个神学院的学生。

years是什么意思：
n. 年；学年，年度；年级学生；年龄；时期；很久；一年时间

Year succeeds to year.
年复一年。

This year is a banner year for crops.
今年是个丰年。

Year after year went past.
一年又一年过去了。

previous是什么意思：
adj. 先前的；过早的

You are a little previous in learning English.
你在学习英语上有点过急。

He was judging by previous dinners.
他是照从前吃过的晚饭来猜测的。

the indiscriminate policies of the previous administration.
前任内阁令人困惑的政策