Preceding this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Preceding this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that has come before the current point in a text or discussion. Example: "Preceding this section, we discussed the importance of data analysis in decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Preceding this, there is the Silver Award and Bronze Award.

The Guardian

Preceding this troupe was a half-hour show by Max Pollak and RumbaTap.

The New York Times - Arts

Preceding this will be a showcase of the orchestra's horn section, Schumann's "Konzertstuck for Four Horns".

The New York Times

Preceding this period, and for some time thereafter, the western boundary of the United States was in doubt.

Cornell University

Preceding this moment is a description of the lovers locked in a warm embrace at night: "The tent is tranquil in the dark".

The New Yorker

Preceding this was a dawn 5km run-cum-walk along the chalky cliffs overlooking Freshwater Bay, tracing a route from the Needles and peaking at Tennyson's monument.

The Guardian - Travel

Preceding this Mw 9.0 earthquake, an MJMA 7.3 earthquake occurred on March 9.

Earth, Planets and Space

Preceding this workshop was a roundtable with stakeholders in the S.T.E.M. ecosystem.

Huffington Post

Preceding this in June 2007, the network announced their intention to show National Nine News.

Wikipedia

Preceding this second scanning, a 15-min transmission scan was performed after repositioning the rats.

British Journal of Cancer

Preceding this pilot was a survey of ICU staff, a glucometer reliability study, and a multidisciplinary educational program.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preceding this", make sure 'this' has a clearly defined reference point to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about what 'this' refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "preceding this" when the 'this' lacks a clear referent. Ensure the noun or event that 'this' represents is explicitly stated or easily understood from the context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preceding this" functions as a transitional phrase, specifically an adverbial phrase of time. It connects two clauses or sentences by indicating that the event or situation described in the first clause occurred before the event or situation described in the second. Ludwig examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preceding this" serves as a useful transitional phrase to establish chronological order in writing. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts such as news, science, and academia. While considered neutral to formal, ensure 'this' refers clearly to what precedes it to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "prior to this" or "before this" for variety. Overall, "preceding this" is a reliable and versatile tool for clear and organized writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prior to this

Replaces "preceding" with "prior to", offering a slightly more formal tone.

Before this

Uses a simpler word, "before", to convey the same meaning.

Previously

Emphasizes the action happened before the mentioned event.

In advance of this

Highlights something has been done or has happened in preparation for "this".

Leading up to this

Focuses on the period or events that culminated in "this".

Antecedent to this

Uses a more formal and technical term, "antecedent", suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship.

That which came before

A more descriptive and explanatory alternative.

The aforementioned

Refers to something already mentioned in the text.

Up until this point

Emphasizes a progression of events leading to the current moment.

Hitherto

Employs an archaic term with a similar meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "preceding this" in a sentence?

Use "preceding this" to indicate that something happened before a specific event or point in time. For example, "The experiments were conducted over several weeks; "prior to this", the equipment was calibrated".

What are some alternatives to "preceding this"?

You can use alternatives like "before this", "prior to this", or "previously" depending on the context.

Is "preceding this" formal or informal?

"Preceding this" is generally considered to be neutral to formal. It's suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic writing.

What's the difference between "preceding this" and "following this"?

"Preceding this" indicates something that happened before a specific point, while "following this" indicates something that happened after. They are opposites in terms of temporal order.