a precedent was set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precedent was set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where a decision or action has established a standard or example for future cases. Example: "The court's ruling was significant because a precedent was set that would influence similar cases for years to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

A precedent was set.

The New York Times - Sports

Rightly or wrongly, a precedent was set when Goodwin's gong was removed in January this year.

The Guardian - Business

Berezovsky settled for a correction in the end, but a precedent was set.

The Guardian

Mankad took eight for 84, India won by 47 runs, a precedent was set.

The Guardian - Sport

A precedent was set in 1960 when John Kennedy famously outperformed then GOP presidential hopeful Richard Nixon in a nationally televised debate.

The Economist

Last year a precedent was set when Wolves were given a suspended £25,000 fine after Mick McCarthy made 10 changes to his side to face Manchester United.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"The reason I got started on this course of action was I felt that there was a precedent being set that is extremely dangerous," Mr. Sklar said.

The New York Times

If a precedent is set, does this mean that works of satire will no longer be free to depict, or even hint at, real-life personalities?

The Guardian - Tech

"The Baglihar decision…allowed a reservoir on a river coming into Pakistan, and now a precedent is set," laments John Briscoe, a water expert formerly of the World Bank who advises Pakistan.

The Economist

An early settlement would have kept the outbreak relatively quiet, he told me, but each time the court rejects a motion by Primus to dismiss the case a precedent is set.

The New Yorker

But to activists, Berkeley's liberalness doesn't change the fact that the prospect of the tax passing – and a precedent being set – worried soda companies enough to inspire millions in spending.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a precedent was set" when you want to emphasize that a past action or decision now serves as a guide or justification for similar situations in the future. Be mindful of the specific implications and ensure that the established precedent is relevant and applicable to the current context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a precedent was set" applies universally to all similar situations. Carefully consider the specific details and limitations of the original case to ensure accurate and appropriate application in new contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precedent was set" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a prior action or decision has established a standard or norm for future similar situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting its frequent use in various contexts. It serves to denote the creation of a guiding principle based on past events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academic

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a precedent was set" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates a past action or decision now serves as a guideline or standard for similar situations in the future. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase sees frequent use in news media and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the scope of the precedent and avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives such as "a standard was established" or "an example was established" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an example was established

This emphasizes the act of setting a pattern for future actions or decisions.

a standard was established

This alternative focuses on the creation of a rule or norm, rather than a specific instance serving as a guide.

a model was created

This suggests the creation of something to be imitated or followed, especially in a structured or formal way.

a benchmark was created

This phrase implies a measurable level of quality or achievement that can be used as a reference point.

a foundation was laid

This highlights the preparatory aspect of setting a precedent, emphasizing the establishment of a base for future developments.

a course of action was determined

This implies that a specific path or strategy was decided upon, guiding future activities.

a tradition began

Implies the start of a practice that is likely to continue over time.

the tone was set

Focuses on the creation of a mood or atmosphere that will influence subsequent events or interactions.

history was made

Highlights the significance and potential long-term impact of the event.

the die was cast

This idiom suggests that a decision has been made with far-reaching and unchangeable consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "a precedent was set" in a sentence?

You can use "a precedent was set" to indicate that a previous action or decision now serves as a guide for future similar situations. For example, "The court's ruling was significant because "a precedent was set" that would influence similar cases for years to come."

What are some alternatives to "a precedent was set"?

You can use alternatives like "a standard was established", "a benchmark was created", or "an example was established" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when "a precedent was set"?

When ""a precedent was set"", it means that a past event, decision, or action has established a principle or rule that will likely be followed in similar situations in the future.

In what contexts is it appropriate to say that "a precedent was set"?

It's appropriate to use ""a precedent was set"" in legal, historical, or organizational contexts where past actions influence future decisions or behaviors. This phrase is most commonly used to express that a past decision has created a standard or an example to be followed.