from past experience

USAGE SUMMARY

'from past experience' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that you have learned about from your previous experiences. For example: "From past experience, I know that it's important to plan in advance for a successful event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All doubt rises from past experience.

The New Yorker

"We have learned from past experience".

The New York Times

Other callers know the drill from past experience.

The New York Times

We know from past experience that recession is cyclical.

The Guardian

I've known from past experience to never say never.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Practical examples from past experience are quoted and a framework for human error prediction is described.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

Determination of principal dimensions begins by using the ratio of principal dimensions from past experience.

Theory & Design of Air Cushion Craft

But Mr. Dennehy knows how to deal with those from past experience.

The New York Times

Having succumbed to her previously, he has learned from past experience that Dalila is treacherous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Learning is any relatively permanent change in behaviour that results from past experience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We do know from past experience the approximate outcomes without chemotherapy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from past experience" to provide a justification for a decision or action, grounding it in concrete, observable results. For example: "From past experience, we know that early planning is crucial for a successful event."

Common error

Be cautious of making sweeping assumptions solely "from past experience". Acknowledge that circumstances change and past outcomes may not always predict future results. Always consider new data and evolving conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from past experience" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to provide context about the basis for an action or belief. Ludwig AI shows it's frequently used to justify decisions based on previous outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "from past experience" is a common and grammatically correct way to justify decisions or actions by referring to previous knowledge or outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often used in professional and neutral contexts, lending credibility to statements. When using this phrase, ensure that you're not overgeneralizing and consider current conditions alongside past results. Related phrases like "based on prior experience" or "in light of previous experience" can offer nuanced alternatives to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knowing from firsthand experience

This choice underscores the personal and direct nature of the knowledge gained.

based on prior experience

This alternative uses "prior" instead of "past", emphasizing that the experience occurred earlier in time.

in light of previous experience

This phrase highlights how previous experience informs current understanding or action, adding a nuance of consideration.

as a result of former experience

This version uses "former" to indicate a previous role or situation, implying a more specific professional or personal context.

drawing from historical experience

This option broadens the scope to include historical events, suggesting a more formal and analytical approach.

informed by recent experience

Focuses on experiences that have happened not long ago and how these shape present understanding.

gained through practical experience

Highlights the tangible, hands-on nature of the experience as the source of knowledge.

having learned from previous incidents

Emphasizes the learning aspect derived from specific events, adding a sense of cause and effect.

through lessons learned in the past

This rephrasing accentuates the instructive aspect of past events, framing them as valuable lessons.

on account of earlier encounters

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary to convey the impact of past events on current perspectives.

FAQs

How can I use "from past experience" in a sentence?

You can use "from past experience" to explain a decision or action based on previous knowledge. For example: "From past experience, I know that it's best to arrive early for important meetings."

What are some alternatives to saying "from past experience"?

You can use alternatives like "based on prior experience", "in light of previous experience", or "knowing from firsthand experience" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "from my past experience"?

While not incorrect, adding "my" is often redundant as the phrase already implies personal experience. Sticking with "from past experience" is generally more concise and common.

How does "from past experience" differ from "based on research"?

"From past experience" indicates knowledge gained through direct, personal involvement, while "based on research" implies knowledge derived from systematic investigation and analysis. They represent different sources of information and justification.