an earlier phase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an earlier phase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previous stage or period in a process or development. Example: "In an earlier phase of the project, we focused on research and development before moving on to implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In some important ways, we are returning to an earlier phase of corporatism.

The Guardian - Opinion

These attest to an earlier phase of aeolian activity prior to fluvial incursion into the area.

Nature

The world saw an earlier phase of robust global trade run from the 1870s to a dead stop in 1914.

The Guardian

A judge in an earlier phase of the case concluded Hall "had been mentally retarded his entire life".

The Guardian

Euell, in an earlier phase of his life, had lived exclusively on foraged food for three years.

The New Yorker

The (U Th)/He data also indicate an earlier phase of rapid exhumation at c. 250 Ma.

Lithos

Some design conflicts can in this manner be prevented at an earlier phase of the design process.

Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

It was on that issue that the federal appeals court in Washington overruled Judge Jackson in an earlier phase of the company's battle with the government.

The New York Times

Mr. Pennetta, who was involved in the project in an earlier phase but is not involved today, said that Mr. Breslin had offered a visionary plan.

The New York Times

Permits for groundbreakings, an earlier phase of the construction process, also declined for the month, slipping 1.3percentto to a 969,000 annual rate.

The New York Times

Bernard's switch to programme-making marks a return to an earlier phase in his career when he specialised in radio documentaries, including an award-winning series on alcoholism.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an earlier phase", clearly define what the current phase is to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'In an earlier phase, we focused on research,' specify 'In an earlier phase of the project, we focused on research'.

Common error

Avoid using "an earlier phase" without specifying what has changed or progressed since that time. Without context, the phrase lacks meaning and can confuse the reader. Always provide a comparison or contrast to the current situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an earlier phase" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically indicating a prior stage or period in a process or development. It provides temporal context, specifying that something occurred before the current state. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

45%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an earlier phase" is a versatile phrase used to denote a prior stage or period within a process, project, or development. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. While widely applicable, it's crucial to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a previous stage" or "a prior period" can be used for variety. Remember to avoid redundancy by not specifying "of the past" and ensure you're contrasting the earlier phase with the current state for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a previous stage

Focuses on the sequential aspect, emphasizing a prior step in a process.

a prior period

Highlights a former duration, emphasizing a past timeframe.

a former time

Simple substitution highlighting a past moment.

an initial period

Emphasizes the starting point of a duration.

a preliminary stage

Highlights the introductory or preparatory nature of the prior step.

a preceding era

Suggests a historical or epochal context before the current one.

a more primitive period

Highlights the relative progress made since that earlier time.

a starting point

Indicates the origin or commencement of an activity or process.

the genesis

Elevates the discussion to the very origin and commencement of something.

the inception

A more formal alternative, used to speak to the very beginning of something.

FAQs

How can I use "an earlier phase" in a sentence?

Use "an earlier phase" to refer to a previous stage or period in a process, project, or development. For example, "In "an earlier phase" of the study, we collected preliminary data."

What are some alternatives to "an earlier phase"?

You can use alternatives such as "a previous stage", "a prior period", or "a preliminary stage" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "in an earlier phase of the past"?

Yes, saying "in an earlier phase of the past" is redundant because "earlier" already implies that it is in the past. Use ""an earlier phase"" or "a previous phase" instead.

What's the difference between "an earlier phase" and "an early phase"?

"An earlier phase" refers to a specific stage that happened before the current one, while "an early phase" refers to one of the initial stages of a process. The former emphasizes sequence, the latter emphasizes placement in the timeline.