a previous example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a previous example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring back to an earlier instance or illustration that has already been mentioned in the text. Example: "To clarify my point, let me refer back to a previous example I provided about the impact of climate change on agriculture."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A previous example occurred in August 2007 when a lot of them got into trouble at the same time.

The Economist

"I guess you could say there is a previous example of it being shown in the United States," Mr. Lippit said, "although it's not quite the real thing".

The New York Times - Arts

Although it can take months for a song to truly peak – Pharrell's Happy being a previous example of a sleeper phenomenon – there are already signs that Uptown Funk is feted for ubiquity.

The Guardian - Music

4. To return to a previous example: a sexist employer might truly care about his female employees, even though his caring attitude is informed by sexist stereotypes about female intelligence.

SEP

A previous example is the proposed underwater hotel in Dubai.

Vice

Each text block receives a previous example of a block with a similar focus.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The related urea derivative 164 (with an ester group in the place of a phenyl of the previous example), also underwent a successful cyclization (Scheme 44) but producing the cis-derivative 168 (in contrast to the trans-isomer resulting from the previous example).

Chemistry - A European Journal

If the first relation (the relation 'outgoing' from the child HOG, 'A' in the previous example) and the last relation (the relation 'incoming' to the parent HOG, 'B' in the previous example) are of the same type (e.g. part_of, is_a ), then the putative relationship is defined as this type.

Bioinformatics

As shown in the previous example, a sequence in a g.m.s. may have two limits.

Mathematical Sciences

In the previous example, a 21% chance with a pot+bet of $140 would look like 0.21 x 140 = 29.4.

WikiHow

We treat the radial case and show that a simple modification of the previous example yields an example of (26) that has many first order solutions.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a previous example", ensure that the example has indeed been clearly presented earlier in your writing. Referencing it should aid clarity and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a previous example" if the example is not directly relevant or if its connection to the current point is unclear. Ensure it genuinely strengthens your argument or explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a previous example" functions as a noun phrase that serves as an appositive or adjective modifying another noun. It identifies a specific instance already mentioned, as Ludwig AI shows.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a previous example" is a useful phrase for referencing earlier points, primarily functioning as a noun phrase modifier to ensure clarity and reinforcement. Ludwig AI indicates that it’s grammatically sound and suitable across various registers, especially in science and news media. To use it effectively, make sure the example is genuinely relevant and clearly connects to your current point. Be aware of alternatives like "an earlier instance" or "a similar instance" to enhance your writing's style and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a similar instance

Focuses on the likeness between the prior and current situation.

an earlier instance

Focuses on time, emphasizing that the example occurred at an earlier point.

a past illustration

Highlights that the example has happened and finished in the past.

a prior case

Highlights the legal or precedential aspect of the example.

a foregoing illustration

Emphasizes that the example was presented earlier in the discourse.

a relevant precedent

Focuses on the example serving as a guide for future decisions.

a preceding demonstration

Implies the example was used to prove or show something.

a related occurrence

Suggests that the example shares similarities with the current situation.

a comparative situation

Highlights the comparison between the example and the current topic.

a parallel scenario

Emphasizes that the example presents a similar series of events or conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "a previous example" in a sentence?

You can use "a previous example" to refer back to something already mentioned, like "As shown in "a previous example", this method is effective."

What are some alternatives to saying "a previous example"?

Instead of "a previous example", you could use phrases such as "an earlier instance", "a prior case", or "a similar instance".

Is it always necessary to use "a previous example" when referring back to something?

No, it's not always necessary. Sometimes, a simple pronoun or a rephrasing of the idea can suffice. Use "a previous example" when you want to specifically highlight that you are drawing upon an earlier illustration.

What's the difference between "a previous example" and "the previous example"?

"A previous example" implies there are multiple possible past examples, while "the previous example" refers to the immediately preceding one. "Continuing with "the previous example"" indicates a direct continuation.