a precedent for this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precedent for this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an earlier event or decision that serves as an example or rule for similar situations in the future. Example: "The court's ruling established a precedent for this case, influencing how similar cases will be handled in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's a precedent for this.

Forbes

There was a precedent for this.

The New Yorker

There is a precedent for this taste.

The Washington Post

There is a precedent for this, in the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a precedent for this kind of programme.

The Guardian

There is, of course, a precedent for this.

The Guardian - Music

"There is a precedent for this," the Mayor said.

The New York Times

"I'm hard pressed to think of a precedent for this," he added.

The New York Times

There's a precedent for this from the era of Caxton and Gutenberg.

The Guardian - Books

There is a precedent for this, in the form of civic-owned sports franchises.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is a precedent for this in the UK's arrangements with the Republic of Ireland.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a precedent for this", ensure the precedent you're referencing is clearly defined and relevant to the current situation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming a precedent applies universally; consider whether the original context sufficiently matches the new situation before claiming "a precedent for this".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precedent for this" functions as a noun phrase that introduces an instance or action that serves as an authoritative guide for subsequent situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a precedent for this" is a versatile and frequently used expression to highlight that a similar situation has occurred before, providing justification or context for a current action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound, and its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal settings. To ensure clarity, it’s best practice to explicitly state the precedent being referenced. While alternatives like "a prior example of this" exist, they don't carry the same weight of formal authority. Ultimately, using this phrase correctly enhances the credibility and robustness of any argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prior example of this

Highlights that a similar example existed previously.

an earlier instance of this

Focuses on the temporal aspect, emphasizing that it happened before.

a similar occurrence to this

Focuses on the fact that something similar has happened before.

a comparable case to this

Emphasizes the similarity of the situation to other cases.

a parallel situation to this

Highlights the similarity in circumstances.

a historical parallel to this

Implies a similarity in historical events or situations.

an analogue to this

Suggests a direct comparison or analogy.

a model for this

Focuses on the use of a previous case as a pattern.

a justification for this

Emphasizes that the action is right or reasonable.

a basis for this

Emphasizes that a foundation or justification exists due to previous events.

FAQs

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

You can use "a precedent for this" to indicate that a similar situation has occurred before, setting an example or justification for the current action. For instance, "The court's decision set "a precedent for this" type of case".

What's the difference between "a precedent for this" and "an example of this"?

"A precedent for this" implies a legal or formal decision that serves as a guide, while "an example of this" is a broader term that simply points to a similar instance.

Are there situations where it's not appropriate to use "a precedent for this"?

It's not appropriate if there's no actual prior case or situation that closely mirrors the current one. Using it inaccurately can weaken your argument or claim.

What can I say instead of "a precedent for this"?

You could use alternatives like "a prior example of this", "a comparable case to this", or "an earlier instance of this" depending on the specific context.