anterior

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "anterior" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective meaning "earlier in time; previous; preceding". Example sentence: The anterior study showed significant results.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The anterior cingulate gyrus has been associated with empathy.

The Guardian

But after his 33rd minute injury – which was caused in a collision with Hamburg's Rafael van der Vaart – he faces a substantial period out of action after suffering a total dislocation of his knee in which the anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and meniscus were all torn away from the articular capsule.

The Guardian - Sport

Western Bulldogs star Tom Liberatore will miss the entire AFL season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The Guardian - Sport

Hamlin thought he was poised to do so when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee playing basketball in January.

The New York Times - Sports

The struggle for water is the anterior theme.

The Economist

And a third part of the brain, an area called the anterior prefrontal cortex which lies just behind the forehead, evolved relatively recently and is thought to be unique to humans was involved in the complex, costly decisions when self-interest and moral beliefs were in conflict.

The Economist

While the gamers stalked and shot the enemy from the relative discomfort of a scanner's interior, the researchers recorded events in their brains.As a player approached a violent encounter, part of his brain called the anterior cingulate cortex became active.

The Economist

IN JULY Babbage, a 40-odd male, got a drug-coated stent in his left anterior descending artery.

The Economist

The most serious injury sustained by professional players of American football is a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), where one of the ligaments in the knee that prevent the shin bone from rotating is ripped.

The Economist

Dr Snyder, however, has found that stimulating an area called the left anterior temporal lobe improves people's ability to draw things like animals and faces from memory.

The Economist

The disgusting odours, he found, activated part of the brain called the anterior insula.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "anterior" in medical or anatomical contexts, ensure you are using it to specifically denote the forward part of the body or organ. Otherwise, "prior" or "previous" might be more appropriate in general usage.

Common error

Avoid using "anterior" when you actually mean "posterior". "Anterior" refers to the front, while "posterior" refers to the back. Double-check your anatomical references to ensure correct terminology.

Linguistic Context

The word "anterior" primarily functions as an adjective. It is used to describe something that is positioned at or towards the front of something else, both spatially and temporally. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

31%

News & Media

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anterior" is an adjective primarily used to denote something located at or towards the front, both spatially and temporally. As Ludwig demonstrates, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal, scientific, and news contexts. While "prior", "preceding", and "former" can serve as alternatives, "anterior" often provides a more precise or technical description, particularly in anatomical or medical fields. Understanding its specific usage and avoiding confusion with "posterior" are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior

This is a direct synonym, simply replacing the word with a single equivalent term.

preceding

This emphasizes the act of coming before something else, slightly more dynamic.

previous

Focuses on something that came before in a sequence or series.

foregoing

Similar to preceding, but often used in more formal or written contexts.

former

Describes something that was once the case but is no longer so.

frontal

Specifically refers to the front part or surface of something.

front

A more basic term indicating the forward-most part.

at the front

A prepositional phrase emphasizing the location at the front.

situated in front

Highlights the position or placement at the front.

that which precedes

A more verbose and formal way of indicating what comes before.

FAQs

How is "anterior" used in a sentence?

You can use "anterior" to describe something located at or near the front. For example, "The "anterior cruciate ligament" is a key structure in the knee".

What's the difference between "anterior" and "posterior"?

"Anterior" refers to the front or forward part, while "posterior" refers to the back or rear part. They are opposites in directional terminology.

Is there a difference between "anterior" and "prior"?

While both relate to something coming before, "anterior" typically refers to spatial positioning (the front), while "prior" refers to time or order. You can use the alternative phrase "prior" in different situations.

What are some synonyms for "anterior"?

Depending on the context, you could use words such as "front", "frontal", or "preceding". In certain contexts, alternatives like "previous" or "former" might also be suitable.