at precedents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at precedents" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to something related to legal precedents or examples, but the phrase itself lacks clarity and proper usage. Example: "The court's decision was based at precedents set in earlier cases." (This sentence is incorrect due to the phrase.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Runner after runner came across the finish line gasping for breath and grasping at precedents without success.

The New York Times - Sports

The interviewers want to understand how you approach decisions – do you gather facts and information, look at precedents, use instinct and intuition, do you involve others and when do you get support.

The Guardian

Here's a look at precedents for this type of well-planned attack - in 60 seconds.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

There is at precedent, here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You would look at precedent," he said.

The New York Times

One of the great strengths of the design world is its ability to look back at the past, at precedent, and to think of how we can move forward while learning from the past.

BBC

So, why look at precedent?

Huffington Post

Is this something that the Department looks at as precedent setting going forward if some of these other schools fail in the same way as Corinthian has? Arne Duncan:        It's a great question.

Huffington Post

To understand what is at stake, look back at the precedents.

The Guardian

They're looking at what precedents they're establishing in this situation.

The Guardian - Business

In fact, Mr. Bush's political aides have spent a lot of time looking at historical precedents, and they don't always like what they've found.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "at precedents" with more grammatically sound phrases such as "based on precedents" or "following precedents" to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at" when referring to the basis or foundation of a decision or argument. "At" typically indicates a location or point in time, while "based on" or "following" correctly convey reliance on previous examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at precedents" functions as a prepositional phrase, but its usage is grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not correct. Examples show attempts to use it in contexts where reliance on past examples is implied.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at precedents" is flagged as grammatically incorrect by Ludwig. While the intention behind its usage might be to express reliance or a connection to established prior examples, it doesn't achieve this effectively. More accurate and widely accepted alternatives, such as "based on precedents" or "following precedents", are recommended. Given the grammatical issues and the limited examples, it's crucial to opt for clearer and more conventional phrasing to ensure effective communication in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on precedents

Specifies the foundation or justification derived from previous examples.

following precedents

Emphasizes adherence to established guidelines or prior decisions.

in accordance with precedents

Highlights compliance with existing norms or past rulings.

with regard to precedents

Indicates consideration and acknowledgement of previous examples.

considering precedents

Focuses on the act of evaluating and taking into account prior cases.

relying on precedents

Highlights the dependency on previous examples for guidance.

drawing from precedents

Suggests deriving insights or principles from past instances.

by virtue of precedents

Indicates action or decision-making based on the authority of previous examples.

guided by precedents

Emphasizes the influence of past examples in shaping current decisions.

informed by precedents

Suggests that decisions are made with knowledge and understanding of prior instances.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "at precedents" to be grammatically correct?

Instead of "at precedents", use phrases like "based on precedents", "following precedents", or "in light of precedents" for clarity and accuracy.

Is "at precedents" a common phrase in legal or academic writing?

No, the phrase "at precedents" is not standard in legal or academic writing. It is better to use more conventional phrases such as "according to precedents" or "with reference to precedents".

What's the difference between "at precedents" and "based on precedents"?

"At precedents" is not grammatically correct. "Based on precedents" indicates that a decision or argument is founded upon previous examples or rulings, making it a more accurate and widely accepted phrase.

When should I use "following precedents" instead of "at precedents"?

The phrase "following precedents" should be used when you want to emphasize that you are adhering to or replicating actions or decisions from previous examples. The phrase "at precedents" is not a recognized grammatical structure.