establishing a precedent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establishing a precedent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal, academic, or professional contexts when discussing actions or decisions that set a standard for future cases or situations. Example: "The court's ruling on this case is significant for establishing a precedent that will influence similar cases in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Congress backed down, establishing a precedent suggesting that former presidents wield lingering powers to keep matters from their administration secret.

The New York Times

In real life, Arsinoe II and her brother Ptolemy II married and ruled Egypt together, establishing a precedent of "brother-loving".

Britannica

In 1888 she won a lawsuit in England over the dramatic rights to Little Lord Fauntleroy, establishing a precedent that was incorporated into British copyright law in 1911.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Roosevelt soon took the New Deal well beyond Hoover and progressivism, establishing a precedent for large-scale social programs and for government participation in economic activities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even a narrowly written bill could still irk Beijing's leaders, by establishing a precedent for holding any referendums at all on what Beijing regards as Chinese soil.

The New York Times

"If we accept your constitutional argument," Chief Justice Roberts told Mr. Stewart, "we're establishing a precedent that you yourself say would extend to banning the book".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The hearings established a precedent.

The New Yorker

"I think it would establish a precedent.

The New York Times

"It will establish a precedent, and much is at stake".

The New York Times

The decision to keep Williams established a precedent that is still paying off.

The New Yorker

If successful, he could establish a precedent giving shareholders the right to inspect contribution records.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "establishing a precedent", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific future actions or decisions will be affected by the precedent.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the long-term impact of "establishing a precedent". Not every decision will have far-reaching consequences, so reserve this phrase for truly significant actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establishing a precedent" functions as a gerund phrase that often serves as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing how certain actions or decisions create standards for future similar situations. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "establishing a precedent" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that signifies setting a standard for future actions or decisions. As evidenced by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from legal and political spheres to social and historical events. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and is best employed when emphasizing the potential long-term impact of a particular action. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's important to avoid overstating the scope of the precedent being set and to ensure clarity in the context. Alternatives like "setting a precedent" or "creating a precedent" can be used interchangeably in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setting a precedent

Replaces the gerund form with a present participle, offering a slightly more active voice.

creating a precedent

Substitutes "establishing" with "creating", emphasizing the act of bringing something new into existence.

setting a standard

Focuses on the act of defining what is acceptable or expected, rather than the legal or formal implications of a "precedent".

laying the foundation

Emphasizes the idea of building a base for future actions or developments.

paving the way

Suggests clearing obstacles and making it easier for others to follow.

establishing a norm

Shifts the focus from formal legal settings to more general social or behavioral expectations.

setting the stage

Implies preparing for future events or actions, often with a theatrical connotation.

creating a benchmark

Focuses on creating a reference point for measuring future performance or achievements.

inaugurating a practice

Implies formally beginning a custom or routine.

starting a tradition

Highlights the beginning of a practice that is intended to be repeated over time and become part of a culture.

FAQs

How can I use "establishing a precedent" in a sentence?

You can use "establishing a precedent" to describe an action or decision that sets a standard for future similar situations. For example, "The court's ruling is significant for "establishing a precedent" for future cases involving digital privacy."

What are some alternatives to "establishing a precedent"?

Alternatives include "setting a precedent", "creating a precedent", "setting a standard", or "laying the foundation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "establishing a precedent" and "setting a precedent"?

While both phrases are very similar, "establishing a precedent" might suggest a more formal or official action, while "setting a precedent" could be used in broader contexts. The difference is subtle and often negligible.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "establishing a precedent"?

Use "establishing a precedent" when you want to emphasize that a current action will likely influence future decisions or actions in similar situations. It's common in legal, political, and organizational contexts.