as a precursor for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a precursor for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something serves as a preliminary or introductory element that leads to or prepares for something else. Example: "The initial research findings were published as a precursor for the larger study that followed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Consequently, this validates the application of Afzelia quanzensis bark extract as a precursor for AgNPs synthesis.

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

In a way, the film acted as a precursor for the summer to follow.

The Guardian - Film

Buy from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.ukFAILURE, as a precursor for success, threads its way through each of these books.

The Economist

The teams now move on to Barbados for a three-match T20 series as a precursor for their World T20 campaigns that follow in Bangladesh.

The Guardian - Sport

Canada, like Italy, for that matter, presumes immigrants may be "naturalized" to the national identity over a specific number of years, as a precursor for earning citizenship.

The New Yorker

In mammalians it serves as a precursor for L-arginine.

AMB Express

This approach can be considered as a precursor for subsequent image decomposition models with texture components.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

This scalable fused-ring polymer also demonstrated promising potential as a precursor for graphitic carbon materials.

Chem

In addition, it functions as a precursor for many molecules of biotechnological relevance.

Metabolic Engineering

Lignin as a precursor for carbon fiber production can realize enormous savings in cost.

Journal of Materials Research and Technology

Gas-phase tetramethyltin was used as a precursor for tin dioxide (SnO2).

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a precursor for", ensure that the subsequent event or item is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what exactly the precursor is leading to.

Common error

Avoid using "as a precursor for" if the link between the precursor and the result is weak or unclear. A stronger, more direct phrase might be necessary to highlight the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a precursor for" functions as a prepositional phrase. It introduces a noun or noun phrase, indicating that this noun acts as a preliminary or preparatory element. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a precursor for" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something acts as a preliminary or preparatory element leading to a subsequent event, substance, or development. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and usable. It's commonly found in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the connection between the precursor and the result is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "as a preliminary to" and "as preparation for", each carrying slightly different nuances. The phrase is deemed grammatically correct and very common based on the analyzed data.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as preparation for

Directly indicates the act of making something ready for a future event.

as an initial step for

Highlights that something is only the first action out of many.

as a preliminary to

Focuses on the preparatory nature, emphasizing that something is done in advance.

as a starting point for

Highlights the beginning stage of a process or development.

as a lead-in to

Highlights the introductory aspect, suggesting a smooth transition to what follows.

as a foundation for

Stresses the role of providing a base or support for something else to be built upon.

as a basis for

Emphasizes the role of providing a rationale or justification for something else.

in anticipation of

Emphasizes the expectation or prediction of a future event or outcome.

as an antecedent to

Indicates a prior event or cause that leads to a subsequent effect.

as a herald of

Suggests that something signals or announces the arrival of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "as a precursor for" in a sentence?

Use "as a precursor for" to indicate that something comes before and prepares the way for something else. For example: "The training served as a precursor for the mission".

What are some alternatives to "as a precursor for"?

You can use alternatives like "as a preliminary to", "as preparation for", or "as a lead-in to" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "as a precursor for" and "as a result of"?

"As a precursor for" indicates something that comes before and leads to something else, while "as a result of" indicates something that is caused by something else. They have opposite meanings.

When is it appropriate to use "as a precursor for" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you want to clearly establish that one event or action sets the stage for a subsequent event or action. It's useful in academic, scientific, and business contexts.