as a prior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a prior" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to something that occurred previously, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "As a prior experience in this field, I can confidently say that..."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it makes sense as a prior.

Cornell University

From 1516 to 1517 Müntzer worked as a prior at Frohse monastery at Aschersleben.

Britannica

We apply Bayesian methods, taking scaled Brownian motion as a prior.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

A multiparameter Gaussian process, after some transformation, is used as a prior on the regression function.

Statistical Methodology

If you just find not with probabilistic theory, think of this still as a prior.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Income generation as a prior (or parallel) step towards the use of financial services.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

However, it is not a trivial task for engineering practitioners to properly quantify prior knowledge as a prior distribution.

Engineering Geology

Microwave assisted extraction was applied as a prior stage to the chromatographic determination of anthocyanins in the extracts.

Food Chemistry

However, the methods which are based on the sequence of proteins as a prior knowledge are more universal.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

Firstly, we propose a novel optimization function for the sparse reconstruction problem with the sparsity level unknown as a prior.

Signal Processing

As a prior step to any automatic application for feature extraction, delimitation of retinal layers must be automated.

Biosystems Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in writing, replace "as a prior" with more precise terms like "previously", "beforehand", or "as a preliminary step" to avoid ambiguity and ensure your intended meaning is accurately conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "as a prior" when you mean "before" or "previously". "Prior" in this context usually requires a noun or a more specific descriptor (e.g., "as a prior step", "prior to the event"). Using it alone can lead to grammatical errors and confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a prior" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, intending to modify a verb or noun by indicating a preceding action, state, or condition. However, it often lacks grammatical precision, as noted by Ludwig, and requires careful contextualization to convey its intended meaning effectively. It's frequently used to introduce background information or preconditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

Academia

19%

News & Media

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "as a prior" appears frequently, its usage is often imprecise and can lead to grammatical ambiguity. Ludwig AI flags it as potentially incorrect. Its primary function is to indicate a preceding action or condition, particularly in scientific and academic contexts. For clarity and enhanced communication, it is best to replace "as a prior" with more specific alternatives like "previously", "beforehand", or "as a preliminary step". Ensure "prior" is followed by a noun or used with "to" to maintain grammatical correctness and avoid confusion. This approach promotes clearer and more effective writing, especially in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously

Expresses that something happened or existed at an earlier time; emphasizes temporal precedence.

beforehand

Indicates taking care of something in advance; highlights preparation or anticipation.

in advance

Similar to 'beforehand' but can also refer to providing information or resources ahead of time.

as a preliminary

Implies a first step taken to prepare for something more significant.

as a precondition

Highlights that something must happen or exist before something else can occur.

as a first step

Similar to 'as a preliminary' but emphasizes initiating a sequence of actions.

by way of background

Introduces context or foundational information.

as an initial matter

Indicates starting with a specific point or consideration.

given the existing

Acknowledges current circumstances or data as a starting point.

considering the foregoing

Takes into account previously mentioned information before proceeding.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "as a prior"?

You can use alternatives like "previously", "beforehand", or "as a preliminary step" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "as a prior" in formal writing?

While "as a prior" appears in some academic and scientific texts, it can often be unclear. Using more precise language enhances clarity and is preferable in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "previously" or "in advance".

How can I use "prior" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure "prior" is followed by a noun or used with a preposition like "to". For example, use "prior experience", "prior knowledge", or "prior to the event". Avoid using "prior" alone as a prepositional phrase. For example, you could write "before the event" instead of "as a prior".

What's the difference between "as a prior" and "previously"?

"Previously" clearly indicates something happened or existed at an earlier time. "As a prior" is often vague and grammatically questionable. Using "previously" avoids ambiguity and is generally a better choice.