based on precedent

USAGE SUMMARY

"based on precedent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express that a decision or action is influenced by relevant decisions or actions of the past. For example, "The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff based on precedent from similar cases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Fifa are yet to confirm the process at the draw, which will be made in Salvador on December 6, but based on precedent there will be one pot of seeds consisting of hosts Brazil and the seven highest-seeded nations in October's Fifa rankings, and three pots based on geographical considerations.

Independent

Based on precedent, Mientkiewicz had every right to the ball.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, many programs are designed based on precedent, tradition, and/or intuition, leading to limited success.

Columbia University

The Senate "is all based on precedent," explained Donald A. Ritchie, the Senate's associate historian.

The New York Times

Based on precedent, the trial could begin in the first half of August, he said.

The Washington Post

Again based on precedent, Geiger said, the penalty was a suspension of at least half the season.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The rules covered all prospects, according to General Manager Brian Cashman, and were based on precedents of overused pitchers.

The New York Times - Sports

Academics have long predicted, based on precedents in the rich world, that a host of such changes – which include the arrival of modern agricultural methods and rising living standards – would reduce encroachment on forests.

Independent

Under Burnham's leadership and based on precedents in Paris and especially Rome, the team envisioned a grand, ordered national capital to reflect America's status as an emerging world power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Colin Myler, editor of The News of the World, said the judgment was based on precedents established by "judges in Strasbourg," seat of the European Court of Human Rights, and that the issues involved had never been addressed by Britain's Parliament.

The New York Times

The Met show ends with "Lion Hunt" (1855), a vast painting, based on precedents by Rubens, that was damaged in a fire, in 1870, which left only the bottom two-thirds of it intact, and small workings of the complete scene.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based on precedent", ensure that the precedent you are referring to is clearly established and relevant to the current situation. This strengthens the credibility of your argument or decision.

Common error

Avoid using "based on precedent" when the prior event is not directly comparable or does not carry significant weight in establishing a standard. Using the phrase loosely weakens its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on precedent" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is determined or justified by previous similar cases or rulings. Ludwig AI's examples confirm its prevalent use in legal, academic, and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "based on precedent" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to justify actions or decisions with reference to prior similar instances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts, reflecting its use in formal and neutral communication. While alternatives such as "following established practice" or "consistent with past decisions" exist, "based on precedent" specifically emphasizes the reliance on previous rulings or examples as a foundation for current actions. Ensure the cited precedent is relevant and clearly established for effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consistent with past decisions

Emphasizes the alignment of current actions with earlier choices.

according to prior rulings

Specifically emphasizes legal decisions as the basis for action.

in accordance with past practice

Highlights the procedural aspect and alignment with repetitive actions.

following established practice

Focuses on the action of adhering to a set procedure, rather than the justification for it.

reflecting established procedure

Highlights established steps and methods.

guided by previous instances

Highlights the role of earlier occurrences in shaping current actions.

drawing from historical examples

Highlights the use of history as a source of guidance.

in line with established norms

Shifts the focus to customary standards rather than specific cases.

using existing guidelines

Stresses the reliance on formalized rules and protocols.

mirroring earlier actions

Implies a direct replication of prior conduct.

FAQs

How can I use "based on precedent" in a sentence?

Use "based on precedent" to justify a decision or action by referring to similar events or rulings in the past. For example, "The judge dismissed the case "consistent with past decisions"".

What does "based on precedent" mean in a legal context?

In law, "based on precedent" means that a court's decision is influenced by previous rulings on similar cases. This principle, known as stare decisis, ensures consistency and predictability in the application of the law.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "based on precedent"?

You can use alternatives like "according to prior rulings", "following established practice", or "consistent with past decisions" depending on the context.

Is it always correct to make decisions "based on precedent"?

While relying on precedent promotes consistency, it's not always ideal. Sometimes, new circumstances or a need for reform may warrant deviating from past practices. Critical evaluation is always necessary.