a pre-existing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pre-existing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that already exists before a certain point in time or before a specific event. Example: "The project was delayed due to a pre-existing condition that needed to be addressed first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Health

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

She died of a pre-existing condition.

The New York Times - Sports

Now you have a pre-existing condition.

The New York Times

I was termed a pre-existing condition.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even when they're dealing with a pre-existing text?

The Guardian

The park was a pre-existing feature of the city.

The New York Times

Do you have a pre-existing medical condition?

The New York Times

"We'll be leveraging off a pre-existing franchise," he says.

The New York Times

An example of a pre-existing condition is literacy.

The New York Times

What if life itself were a pre-existing condition?

The New York Times

Being a woman is no longer a pre-existing condition.

The New York Times - Health

He has a pre-existing relationship with Ryan's mother.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical conditions, ensure clarity by specifying the exact nature of the "pre-existing" condition to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying 'a pre-existing condition', specify 'a pre-existing heart condition' or 'a pre-existing diabetes diagnosis'.

Common error

Avoid using "pre-existing" when you mean "co-existing". "Pre-existing" implies something existed before, while "co-existing" means things exist together at the same time. For example: Use "co-existing conditions" when multiple conditions are present simultaneously, not "pre-existing conditions" unless one clearly preceded the other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pre-existing" functions as an adjective modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms that it is generally used to describe something that existed before a specific time, condition, or event. It often clarifies the state or nature of the noun it modifies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Health

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pre-existing" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that existed before a particular time or event. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently found in news and media, health-related discussions, and formal business contexts. While it generally maintains a neutral to professional tone, providing specific details alongside it enhances clarity. Remember to avoid confusing it with "co-existing", and consider alternatives like "an existing" or "a prior" depending on the desired nuance. The high frequency of examples confirms its relevance in contemporary English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an existing

This alternative simplifies the phrase by omitting "pre-", suggesting the condition simply exists without emphasizing its prior state.

a prior

This alternative replaces "pre-existing" with "prior", focusing on the chronological order of existence.

a previous

This alternative replaces "pre-existing" with "previous", highlighting that something came before.

an already established

This alternative expands the phrase to emphasize that something was not only existing but also established or recognized.

a long-standing

This option implies that something has existed for a considerable amount of time.

a pre-arranged

This term refers to something that was arranged before hand, such as a plan.

an antecedent

This term is related to something that logically come before something else. It is used as a fancy way of saying preceding.

a preliminary

This refers to actions that come before other bigger actions. An example would be a preliminary study.

a background

This refers to background information that may need to be mentioned to understand a current situation.

a foundational

This implies that something is a base layer that is used to build other structures, physically and conceptually.

FAQs

What does "a pre-existing" mean in the context of health insurance?

In health insurance, "a pre-existing" condition refers to a health issue that existed before a person's health insurance coverage started. This could affect coverage options or premiums.

Can I use "prior" instead of "a pre-existing"?

Yes, in many cases, you can use "a prior" as a substitute for "a pre-existing", especially when referring to something that existed before a specific event or time. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What are some synonyms for "a pre-existing"?

Synonyms include "an existing", "a previous", or "an already established". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an pre-existing" instead of "a pre-existing"?

No, the correct article to use is "a", not "an", because "pre-existing" begins with a consonant sound. Therefore, the correct phrase is "a pre-existing".