during the preceding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during the preceding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time period that occurred before a specific event or moment being discussed. Example: "The data collected during the preceding months indicates a significant trend in consumer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The KP was described according to pain duration and period in two classes: long-lasting pain (>30 days during the preceding year) and other pain (1 to 30 days during the preceding year or only during the preceding week).

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

1783, during the preceding fiscal year.

Cornell University

(b) of this section during the preceding fiscal year.

Cornell University

H.M.O.'s typically project costs and set their rates for the year during the preceding summer.

The New York Times

The August , 2002 survey asked Americans about their leisure reading during the preceding twelve months.

The New Yorker

Major Jewish immigrations and land purchases in Palestine took place during the preceding half-century.

The New York Times

Fasting fructosamine was determined to asses average glycemia during the preceding 1 3 weeks31 3

Nature

which exceed $10,000 at any time during the preceding calendar year"...

The Washington Post

Results: Osteoporosis was found in 15% of the patients, 19% reported 1 or more falls during the preceding year, and 1.8% had a fracture during the preceding year.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

It represents the nuisances the community has had to put up with during the preceding year.

Yale University

These assessments were compared to similar on-the-ground assessments made during the preceding year.

Ecological Indicators

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "during the preceding" to clearly establish a timeframe relative to another event. For example, "Assess performance during the preceding quarter to identify areas for improvement."

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining the units of time associated with "during the preceding". For example, specify "during the preceding month" rather than just "during the preceding" when referring to a monthly period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during the preceding" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, specifying the timing of an action or state. It's used to indicate that something occurred within a period of time that came before the time currently under consideration. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during the preceding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to establish temporal context. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is effective across diverse fields such as science, news, and academia. For alternative phrasing, consider "in the prior" or "throughout the previous", depending on your desired nuance. When writing, make sure to define timeframe clearly and ensure that your level of formality is appropriate to the audience and context. By paying attention to these details, you can effectively incorporate "during the preceding" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the prior

A more concise and slightly less formal alternative.

throughout the previous

Emphasizes the entire duration of the earlier period.

in the earlier

Simpler and more direct, suitable for informal contexts.

in the prior period

Adds emphasis on the period itself.

over the past

Focuses on the events that have already occurred.

in the time before

Breaks down the phrase into simpler components, reducing formality.

beforehand

A very concise adverb indicating something done earlier.

previously

A simple adverb indicating a prior time.

in anticipation

Implies preparing for an event ahead of time.

leading up to

Indicates events leading to a specific point in time.

FAQs

How can I use "during the preceding" in a sentence?

You can use "during the preceding" to specify a time period that occurred before a particular event or moment. For example, "Sales increased during the preceding quarter."

What are some alternatives to "during the preceding"?

Some alternatives include "in the prior", "throughout the previous", or "in the earlier".

Is it more formal to say "during the preceding" or "in the previous"?

"During the preceding" tends to be slightly more formal than "in the previous". Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone of your writing.

How does "during the preceding" differ from "in the following"?

"During the preceding" refers to a period before a specific point, while "in the following" refers to a period after a specific point.