an early precedent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an early precedent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a prior example or case that serves as a guide or standard for future actions or decisions, particularly in legal or formal contexts. Example: "The court's decision was influenced by an early precedent set in a similar case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Mr. Metzker is a great admirer of Monet, whose late paintings set an early precedent for Pollock.

The New York Times - Arts

The Education Department blames the Clinton administration for setting an early precedent that it is merely following today.

The New York Times

Hibernian, enriched by an attack renowned as "the famous five", did enter and reached the semi-finals, thus setting an early precedent for Scottish one- upmanship which reached its apotheosis when Jock Stein's Celtic became the first British team to win the European Cup when they came from behind to beat Internazionale 2-1 in the final in Lisbon.

The Guardian - Sport

The English Magna Carta of 1215 inspired the right to petition and to trial by jury, for example, while the English Bill of Rights of 1689 provided an early precedent for the right to keep and bear arms (although this applied only to Protestants) and prohibited cruel and unusual punishment.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Only the full court can overrule an earlier precedent of the court, which held that the Second Amendment protects a collective right.

The New York Times

The sensual dazzle has an earlier precedent, though: the theatre of rococo painting, with its festoons of clouds, flesh and flowers.

The Guardian - Arts

And he cited an earlier precedent, noting, "This is the way we dealt with the people who assassinated Abraham Lincoln and tried to assassinate part of the Cabinet back in 1865".

The New York Times

Combining them, according to Aereo, holds up under an earlier precedent set by Cablevision.

TechCrunch

There's even a knowing early precedent for what Britain's Tony Blair calls the "third way".

The New York Times - Books

Poor AT&T – if such a phrase should ever be said of a carrier – will have to react and they'll probably react by creating an early adopter precedent and creating a special price for people who are calling to whine.

TechCrunch

Rather, the Supreme Court has said that it is the Court's job, not the job of lower federal courts, to say when an earlier Supreme Court precedent has been effectively overruled by subsequent developments.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an early precedent", ensure the context clearly indicates how this precedent influences later actions or decisions. Provide specific details to illustrate the connection.

Common error

Avoid implying that "an early precedent" is the sole determinant of future outcomes. Acknowledge other contributing factors to provide a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an early precedent" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific prior event or decision serving as a guide or justification for subsequent actions. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an early precedent" refers to a prior instance that sets a pattern or provides justification for subsequent actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its usage across diverse contexts, including news, legal documents, and historical analyses. While it is a correct and usable phrase, it is important to clearly establish the connection between the precedent and the current situation and acknowledge other influencing factors. Consider using alternatives like "a preliminary model" or "a prior instance" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary model

This alternative highlights the aspect of being a first model or example that influences later ones.

a prior instance

This phrase focuses on the existence of a previous occurrence that serves as a reference.

an initial guideline

This alternative emphasizes the role of setting a standard or direction from the beginning.

a formative example

This phrase highlights the influence of the example on subsequent developments.

a preceding case

This alternative emphasizes the temporal order and its role as an antecedent.

a primary archetype

This emphasizes the role of being the original model or pattern.

an original benchmark

This option emphasizes setting an initial standard against which others are measured.

a first iteration

This alternative underscores that it is an initial version or instance.

a trailblazing attempt

This highlights the pioneering nature of the effort and its role as a guide.

an introductory practice

This alternative focuses on the concept of setting the stage for further practices.

FAQs

How can I use "an early precedent" in a sentence?

You can use "an early precedent" to refer to a previous case, action, or event that serves as a guide or justification for subsequent ones. For example, "The judge cited "an early precedent" to support the decision."

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

"An early precedent" refers to a precedent that occurred at the beginning of a series or process, while "an earlier precedent" simply refers to one that happened before the current one. The "early" version has an additional connotation of influence due to its timing.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "an early precedent"?

Avoid using "an early precedent" if the precedent is not directly relevant or influential to the current situation. If the connection is weak, it may be misleading.

What can I say instead of "an early precedent"?

Alternatives include "a preliminary model", "a prior instance", or "an initial guideline depending on the context".