both of the preceding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both of the preceding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two items or points that have been mentioned earlier in the text. Example: "In conclusion, both of the preceding arguments support the need for policy change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

As a result, if a tenant's income was below the threshold for both of the preceding years, the landlord would have no way of knowing that and would have to file a new request for verification of income the following year.

The New York Times

In both of the preceding scenarios, the inventor/entrepreneur benefits by having a patent issued quickly.

TechCrunch

Both of the preceding examples present the patterns of molecular co-option.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Bosanquet's own "speculative philosophy"—based, he maintains, on careful analysis of experience complements both of the preceding approaches.

SEP

The episode is also the first not to have been written by series creator Chris Carter, who had penned both of the preceding episodes, "Pilot" and "Gehenna".

Wikipedia

However, both of the preceding studies are limited by the lack of a systematic method of measurement of acetabular retroversion and depend on the presence or absence of these signs on standard radiographs.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Derbyshire-based Lowes needed to finish ahead of Byrne in the last race of the season to secure his first major title after both crashed out of the preceding race on Sunday.

BBC

The content of stilbenes shown in Fig. 10 revealed a high seasonal transfer (translocation) of biomass, as the values of spring belowground biomass (and stilbenes) were lower in both years than those of the preceding autumn.

BMC Plant Biology

We have already shown that modeling CpG effects, both dependent and independent of the preceding base, does not even come close to modeling a full context-dependence scheme based on the flanking bases in terms of model fit.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The hit rate is the probability of "yes" responses when the probe represented the exact intermediate color, angle, or both color and angle of the preceding pair of images; the false alarm rate is the probability of "yes" responses when the probe did not match the preceding pair.

Human Brain Mapping

In China, where generation gaps are enormous, the reform cohort may be the only one that understands the thinking of both the preceding and the following generations.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "both of the preceding" to clearly reference two specific items, arguments, or events previously discussed to avoid ambiguity. Ensure the context makes it clear which two items you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "both of the preceding" if more than two items have been mentioned, or if the items are not immediately clear. This can confuse the reader. Instead, rephrase to specifically identify the items you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both of the preceding" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun. It specifies that two items, which have been mentioned earlier, are being referred to. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both of the preceding" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for referencing two previously mentioned items or points. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage is relatively uncommon but appropriate in formal contexts like science and news. When using "both of the preceding", ensure that the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity and that it accurately reflects the order of information presented. Alternatives like "both of the earlier" or "both of the aforementioned" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both of the earlier

Replaces 'preceding' with 'earlier', slightly altering the emphasis on temporal order.

both of the previous

Uses 'previous' instead of 'preceding', maintaining a similar meaning.

both of the prior

Employs 'prior' as a substitute for 'preceding', suggesting a slightly more formal tone.

both of the aforementioned

More formal synonym, suitable for academic or legal writing.

both of the above

Refers to items listed directly above, typically in a multiple-choice context.

both of the foregoing

A formal alternative to 'both of the preceding', less commonly used.

both of the specified

Indicates items that have been explicitly mentioned.

both of the listed

Implies the items were part of a list.

both of the designated

Suggests items that have been specifically identified or named.

both of the instances

Highlights that the earlier items were instances or examples of something.

FAQs

How can I use "both of the preceding" in a sentence?

Use "both of the preceding" to refer back to two specific items or points already mentioned in your writing. For instance, "Both of the preceding examples illustrate the importance of clear communication".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "both of the preceding"?

You can use phrases like "both of the earlier", "both of the above", or "both of the aforementioned" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "both of the preceding"?

Yes, "both of the preceding" is grammatically correct and widely used in formal writing to refer to two items previously mentioned.

When should I use "both of the preceding" versus "both of the following"?

"Both of the preceding" refers to items mentioned before the current statement, while "both of the following" refers to items that will be mentioned after the current statement. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the order in which the items are presented.