a number of previous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of previous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to several prior instances or examples of something. Example: "In light of a number of previous studies, we can conclude that the treatment is effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have met on a number of previous occasions.

The New York Times

The bucket chairs, used by a number of previous prime ministers, said relax.

The Guardian

But now, like a number of previous Williams ventures, Star is in trouble.

The Washington Post

A number of previous applications were prior to the establishment of the Office in 2001.

The Times

The oxygen surface is found to be hydrogenated, in agreement with a number of previous works.

Surface and Coatings Technology

A number of previous affordable housing ventures have floundered on price, particularly the cost of shipping and assembly.

Harvard Business Review

There have been a number of previous biographies of Zarqawi, but Warrick takes the story much further and deeper.

The Washington Post

However, an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter uses a number of previous outputs as well as a current and a number of previous inputs to generate a current output.

Digital Signal Processing System-Level Design Using LabVIEW

To describe this transition, we first examine CA adaptations in a number of previous studies relating CA to architectural design.

Automation in Construction

The underlying rationale and supporting experimental data from a number of previous irradiation tests are also presented.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Since IDA is computationally intensive, a number of previous studies have attempted to approximate IDA curves using pushover analysis.

Engineering Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a number of previous", ensure it clearly refers to a specific set of prior instances relevant to the current context. Provide further details or examples to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a number of previous" without specifying which instances or studies you're referring to, as this can lead to ambiguity. Always provide sufficient context or examples to support your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of previous" functions as a determiner followed by an adjective modifying a noun (usually plural, like studies, attempts, efforts). It introduces the idea that multiple instances occurred before the present one. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a number of previous" is a versatile and frequently used expression to refer to multiple prior occurrences or instances. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and widely applicable in various writing contexts. It's particularly common in scientific, news, and formal business settings. To use it effectively, provide specific details or examples to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like ""several prior"" or ""many earlier"" for variety. By following these guidelines, you can ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several prior

Replaces "a number of" with "several", indicating more than two but not a large amount and "previous" with "prior", both adjectives meaning 'earlier in time'.

many earlier

Substitutes "a number of" with "many", indicating a large quantity, and "previous" with "earlier", both indicating a time before the present.

various past

Replaces "a number of" with "various" suggesting diversity and "previous" with "past" referring to what has happened before.

numerous preceding

Substitutes "a number of" with "numerous", indicating a great quantity, and "previous" with "preceding", both referring to something that comes before.

a multitude of former

Replaces "a number of" with "a multitude of", emphasizing a large quantity, and "previous" with "former", both indicating a prior state.

a series of prior

Replace "number" with "series" to indicate that element are being considered as part of a sequence, while "previous" becomes "prior", both meaning 'existing or coming before in time, order, or importance'.

several preceding

Replace "number" with "several" and "previous" with "preceding", meaning "coming before something else in time or order".

a few earlier

Using "a few" suggests a smaller quantity compared to "a number", and "earlier" indicates that the events happened before the present.

multiple earlier

Substitutes "a number of" with "multiple", indicating more than one, and "previous" with "earlier", signifying a time before the present.

various earlier

Replace "number" with "various" to indicate that the items mentioned are different and "previous" with "earlier", both meaning 'existing or happening before the present'.

FAQs

How can I use "a number of previous" in a sentence?

You can use "a number of previous" to refer to multiple instances or occurrences that happened before. For example: "A number of previous studies have shown the effectiveness of this treatment."

What are some alternatives to "a number of previous"?

Alternatives include "several prior", "many earlier", or "various past" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "a number of previous" or "many previous"?

"A number of previous" and "many previous" are both acceptable in formal writing. However, ""several prior"" might be slightly more formal in certain contexts.

When should I use "a number of previous" instead of "some previous"?

Use "a number of previous" when you want to emphasize that there are multiple instances or examples. "Some previous" is less specific and implies a smaller, less defined quantity.