has precedent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has precedent" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation where something has happened before and can be used as a reference or example for a current situation. For example: - "The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, citing that this case has precedent from a similar case that was decided last year." - "The company's decision to offer flexible work hours has precedent in other successful companies within the industry." - "The president's actions go against the established norms and have set a dangerous precedent for future leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Strolling in the name of politics has precedent here.

The New Yorker

Such a massive resettlement programme also has precedent.

The Guardian - Opinion

The dual role, as head coach and minority owner, is rare but has precedent.

The New York Times - Sports

"Some of them have M.B.A.'s!" A Wall Street reality show has precedent.

The New York Times

The no-bin experiment is a more unusual approach, but it has precedent.

The New York Times

The idea of running the shows without Top Gear Live branding has precedent.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The rugby incident has precedents.

The New York Times - Sports

Chicago has precedents for the concept.

The New York Times - Arts

Collecting money at the same rate at which it is being spent has precedents.

The New York Times

Use of the Act has precedents now for gaining full inquiry into such events.

Independent

The development of assessment instruments for POCUS has precedents.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has precedent", ensure the precedent you are referencing is clearly established and relevant to the current situation. This strengthens your argument or point.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something "has precedent" it is automatically justified or guaranteed to succeed. The context and relevance of the precedent must still be carefully considered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has precedent" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate that a current action, decision, or situation is supported by or analogous to a similar occurrence in the past. As Ludwig AI points out, this usage helps to provide justification or context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has precedent" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate that a current situation is similar to something that has happened before, thereby providing a basis for comparison, justification, or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts. To ensure effective use, it's essential to clearly establish and explain the precedent you are referencing, avoiding overstating its relevance. Alternatives include "has a prior instance" or "is not unprecedented", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a prior instance

Focuses on the existence of a previous occurrence.

has occurred before

States that something has happened in the past.

is not unprecedented

Highlights that something is not entirely new or without parallel.

there is a history of

Indicates a pattern or series of past events.

there's a track record of

Emphasizes a proven history or pattern.

has historical basis

Connects something to past events or historical context.

finds its parallel in

Indicates that something is comparable to a past situation.

is mirrored by

Implies an exact or very close resemblance to a past event.

has roots in

Suggests that something originated from past events or ideas.

is reminiscent of

Indicates a similarity that brings a past event to mind.

FAQs

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

You can use "has precedent" to indicate that a current action or situation is similar to one that has occurred in the past, providing a basis for comparison or justification. For example, "The court's decision "has precedent" in a similar case from the previous year".

What is a good alternative to "has precedent"?

Alternatives to "has precedent" include "has a prior instance", "has occurred before", or "is not unprecedented", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has precedence" instead of "has precedent"?

While similar, "has precedence" refers to having a higher priority or rank, while ""has precedent"" refers to having a prior example or basis. The choice depends on whether you are discussing priority or similarity to a past event.

What does it mean when something "has precedent" in a legal context?

In a legal context, if something ""has precedent"", it means that a similar case has been decided in the past, and that decision can be used as a guide for the current case. This helps ensure consistency and predictability in legal rulings.