earlier clause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earlier clause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a clause mentioned previously in a text or legal document. Example: "As stated in the earlier clause, all participants must submit their applications by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The final version also left out an earlier clause that said companies had to get union approval on major workplace changes.

The New York Times

Two months later, Serbia agreed to endorse a UN resolution calling for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina to resolve outstanding issues, removing an earlier clause that rejected the secession.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Quoting the court's language from an earlier Spending Clause case, the chief justice said, "Congress is free to attach reasonable and unambiguous conditions to federal financial assistance that educational institutions are not obligated to accept".

The New York Times

"Should they renege on the increase in money, I have an early release clause," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's very hard to articulate, but these emotions have a lot to do with what I thought I was doing by having this provision," Mr. Levin said of his early retirement clause.

The New York Times

Become familiar with the terms of the early termination clause of your lease agreement before you contact the leasing company.

WikiHow

He said that the city had not objected to a sunset clause earlier in the negotiations, and that other districts had agreed to a sunset provision.

The New York Times

Bloomberg News earlier reported the clause in the prospectus.

The New York Times

On current evidence, however, Moyes may well have done Everton a huge favour by paying the price for Fellaini - £4m more than he would have cost had he activated an earlier contract release clause.

BBC

Countrywide and the trustee also agreed to delete from the earlier agreement a "nondisparagement" clause, which the Justice Department had said could impede regulatory investigations of the lender.

The New York Times

They agreed on money and years, but became stuck at a point for an early termination option, a clause that would allow him to become a free agent earlier.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "earlier clause", ensure the context clearly establishes which clause is being referenced. Avoid ambiguity by briefly restating the clause's subject or providing a specific identifier.

Common error

Avoid using "earlier clause" without sufficient context. If the document contains multiple clauses, readers may struggle to identify the specific clause you're referring to. Provide additional details or a direct reference to eliminate confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earlier clause" functions as a noun phrase where "earlier" modifies the noun "clause". It's used to specifically reference a provision or condition that has been previously stated or mentioned within a document or conversation, according to Ludwig AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earlier clause" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to reference a previously mentioned provision or condition. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability. To ensure clarity, always provide sufficient context when using this phrase. Alternatives like "previous stipulation" or "aforementioned clause" can add variety to your writing. The phrase is versatile, appearing in News & Media, Scientific and Wiki contexts, making it suitable for diverse communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aforementioned clause

Uses "aforementioned" to specifically reference a clause already discussed.

previously stated clause

Emphasizes that the clause was mentioned before using "previously stated".

preceding clause

Indicates the clause that comes immediately before the current point of reference.

previous stipulation

Replaces "clause" with "stipulation" to denote a specific condition or requirement, also using a synonym for "earlier".

prior provision

Substitutes "clause" with "provision," indicating a part of a legal document, and "earlier" with a synonym.

antecedent provision

Refers to a provision that precedes another in time or order.

original clause

Highlights that the clause is the one initially written or agreed upon.

original provision

Uses both the words original and provision instead of earlier and clause respectively to denote an element or agreement or legal document.

initial clause

Focuses on the clause being the first one established or presented.

initial stipulation

Similar to "initial clause" but using the word stipulation instead of clause to refer to an element of an agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "earlier clause" in a sentence?

You can use "earlier clause" to refer to a provision that has been previously mentioned, for example, "As stated in the "earlier clause", all participants must submit their applications by the deadline".

What are some alternatives to "earlier clause"?

Alternatives include "previous stipulation", "prior provision", or "aforementioned clause", which all indicate a previously referenced condition or term.

Is it better to say "earlier clause" or "previous clause"?

"Earlier clause" and "previous clause" are largely interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis, though both are grammatically correct.

What is the difference between "earlier clause" and "subsequent clause"?

"Earlier clause" refers to a provision mentioned before the current point, while "subsequent clause" refers to a provision that follows after the current point.