a rich precedent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rich precedent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant or influential example or case that serves as a guide for future actions or decisions. Example: "The court's ruling established a rich precedent that will shape future legal interpretations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But there is a rich precedent.

The New York Times

While to the best of our knowledge no specific inhibitors of bacterial Y-family polymerases have been discovered, there is a rich precedent for use of specific nucleotide drugs to combat viral infection or cancer.

Biochemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But for all their invocations of the rich precedents of nudity in India's art history and religious iconography, Husain's defenders could do little to stem the tide of attacks – notably over the internet – on more and more of his images.

The Guardian - Arts

But the form has a rich vein of precedent, too.

The New Yorker

And "I Feel Like Pac/I Feel Like Biggie" aspires to connect that urge to its richest precedent, with a hook by Swizz Beatz, a studious but snarling verse by T. I. and a legacy send-off by Diddy (credited as Puff Daddy).

The New York Times - Arts

Canterbury and Winchester were the two richest sees in England, and while precedent allowed the holding of a rich see along with a poor one, there was no precedent for holding two rich sees concurrently.

Wikipedia

Abu Ghaith's successful trial does prove something, but it's something we ought to have already known: putting on a trial is not actually that hard when you have a justice system that is a couple hundred years old and rich in precedent, with hundreds of terrorism trials behind it.

The New Yorker

It's been so rich with precedent and incident — and so very, very long — that we have, if anything, undervalued and even lost sight of its significance at times.

The New York Times

But the construction also suggests Max Beckmann, whose brusque, crowded paintings offer Mr. Peterson a useful precedent for rich, jaundiced narrative imbued with irrefutable formal power.

The New York Times

History is rich with precedents.

The New York Times

On the other hand, it's potentially more damaging to create a precedent for the rich European countries to bail out the poorer ones when they get into financial trouble".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rich precedent" when you want to emphasize that there are many examples of something in the past, not just one or two. This suggests a well-established pattern or history.

Common error

Avoid using "a rich precedent" if only a single or very few examples exist. Using it in this context exaggerates the historical support and diminishes the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rich precedent" functions as a noun phrase, where "rich" modifies the noun "precedent". It emphasizes the existence of numerous, substantial, and influential past instances that can serve as a guide or justification for current actions or decisions. Ludwig indicates its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a rich precedent" is a grammatically correct and professionally acceptable expression used to describe the existence of numerous historical examples supporting a current decision or action. As verified by Ludwig, the term is mainly employed in news, media, and scientific domains. While the phrase isn't overwhelmingly common, when used appropriately, it can strengthen arguments by providing a solid and well-documented historical foundation. Consider the frequency, context, and nuance needed before using "a rich precedent". Alternatives such as "a strong historical basis" or "a well-established pattern" may serve as efficient substitutes in some situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong historical basis

Emphasizes the historical strength and support behind a current situation or idea.

a well-established pattern

Highlights the existence of a consistent and recognized sequence of events or actions.

ample historical evidence

Focuses on the abundance of evidence from the past that supports a present claim or action.

a substantial track record

Highlights the history of success and reliability.

a deep-rooted tradition

Emphasizes the length and significance of a tradition.

a history of success

Underscores past achievements as a foundation for future expectations.

considerable prior example

Highlights an existing and noteworthy instance.

extensive background

Focuses on the comprehensive and detailed information available.

significant prior case

Emphasizes the importance of an earlier legal or practical instance.

an established tradition

Implies the existence of an enduring cultural norm or practice.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rich precedent" to indicate that there are numerous past instances that support a current action or decision. For example, "The use of technology in education has "a rich precedent", with many schools having integrated computers since the 1990s".

What is the difference between "a rich precedent" and "a strong precedent"?

"A rich precedent" implies a multitude of past examples, emphasizing abundance. "A strong precedent" focuses on the impact and influence of a single, significant case.

Which is more appropriate, "a rich precedent" or "an established precedent"?

"A rich precedent" emphasizes the quantity of past examples, while "an established precedent" focuses on the recognition and acceptance of a past practice or decision. Choose the phrase that best reflects the aspect you want to highlight.

What are some synonyms for "a rich precedent"?

Alternatives to "a rich precedent" include "a strong historical basis", "a well-established pattern", or "ample historical evidence". The best choice depends on the specific context.