a precedent for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precedent for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an earlier event or decision that serves as an example or rule for future actions or decisions. Example: "The court's ruling established a precedent for similar cases in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a precedent for this.

Forbes

There is a precedent for such involvement.

The New Yorker

There was a precedent for this.

The New Yorker

"There is a precedent for relievers.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a precedent for rotation.

Independent

There was a precedent for hope, though.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a precedent for EU action.

The Guardian

There is a precedent for violence.

The Guardian

There is also a precedent for intervention.

The Guardian

There is a precedent for these fears.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a precedent for such litigation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a precedent for", ensure that the historical event or legal decision you are referencing is directly relevant and analogous to the current situation. Clearly articulate the connection to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a precedent for" as an absolute guarantee or predictor of future outcomes. Acknowledge that circumstances may differ and that precedents can be challenged or overturned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precedent for" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something that serves as an authoritative warrant or pattern for subsequent situations. It sets a benchmark, as confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a precedent for" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that a past event or decision serves as an example or justification for a current situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, also offering related alternatives like "an example of" or "a basis for". It is frequently encountered in news, business, and legal contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly articulate the relevance of the cited precedent and avoid overstating its predictive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a case in point for

Highlights a specific instance that supports a general statement.

an example of

Emphasizes the illustrative nature of a past occurrence.

a basis for

Focuses on the underlying foundation or justification rather than a direct prior example.

a model for

Suggests that the prior instance is something to be emulated or followed.

a justification for

Highlights the reason or rationale behind an action or decision.

an antecedent to

Indicates something that precedes and influences what follows.

a pattern for

Suggests a recurring sequence of events that establishes a trend

a parallel to

Emphasizes similarity and comparability between two situations.

a forerunner of

Suggests an early version or precursor of something.

a historical analogue for

Draws a comparison to a similar event or situation in history.

FAQs

How can I use "a precedent for" in a sentence?

Use "a precedent for" to indicate that a previous action or event serves as a guide or justification for a current one. For example, "The court ruling set "a precedent for" future environmental regulations".

What are some alternatives to "a precedent for"?

You can use alternatives like "an example of", "a basis for", or "a model for", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to cite the specific precedent when using the phrase "a precedent for"?

While not always strictly necessary, citing the specific precedent strengthens your argument and provides credibility. If the precedent is well-known, it may be sufficient to simply mention its general impact.

Can a precedent be overturned or changed?

Yes, precedents are not immutable. They can be overturned by higher courts or through legislative action if circumstances or societal values change significantly.