historic precedent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "historic precedent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an event or decision from the past that serves as an example or guide for future actions or decisions. Example: "The court's ruling set a historic precedent that will influence similar cases for years to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

He cited a historic precedent.

The Guardian

The question has a historic precedent.

The New York Times - Arts

So this bizarre-sounding notion has strong historic precedent.

The Guardian

This sets a historic precedent for the independent production sector".

The Guardian

They are cultured and have a great empathy for historic precedent.

Independent

Butalthough he had to start from scratch, at least he had a historic precedent.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Ms. Phillips, for one, shrugged off such concerns, citing historic precedents.

The New York Times

She has an instinct for complex spatial projection, which invokes historic precedents and undercuts them at the same time.

The New York Times - Arts

There are historic precedents of boom-and-bust cycles to explore, the creation of company towns, and the pressures on the democratic process.

The New Yorker

Pictures by Paul Outerbridge and Harry Callahan set historic precedents, while others, from the eighties, by Nan Goldin and Boyd Webb, suggest color's subsequent and unstoppable surge to dominance.

The New Yorker

Like Christian Science, the Ethical Culture movement was searching for its own form -- it had no historic precedents from which to draw.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "historic precedent", ensure the historical event you're referencing directly relates to and informs the present situation you're discussing. Avoid citing loosely connected or irrelevant historical events.

Common error

Avoid using "historic precedent" to describe minor or commonplace events. Reserve this phrase for truly significant occurrences that have a lasting impact or set a noteworthy example for future actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "historic precedent" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it references a prior event or decision that serves as a justification or model for present actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

14%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "historic precedent" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to reference past events as justifications for current actions. Ludwig AI validates its usability across various contexts, primarily in news and media, with formal and scientific registers. When using this phrase, ensure the historical event directly informs the present situation, and reserve it for significant occurrences. Related phrases include "historical parallel" and "past example". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "historic precedent" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

historical parallel

Changes the noun to emphasize a similar occurrence in history.

past example

Uses more general terms to refer to a prior instance.

previous occurrence

Focuses on the event happening before as a point of comparison.

prior instance

Highlights that something happened before and is relevant.

earlier case

Implies a specific situation that happened in the past.

established pattern

Suggests a sequence of events that has been repeated.

tradition

Refers to a practice passed down through generations.

antiquity

Emphasizes the ancient nature of a past practice or event.

legacy

Focuses on what has been inherited from the past.

roots

Suggests origins and the foundation upon which something is based.

FAQs

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

You can use "historic precedent" to refer to a past event that justifies or explains a current action or decision. For example, "The court's decision followed "historic precedent" in similar cases".

What are some alternatives to "historic precedent"?

Some alternatives include "past example", "historical parallel", or "previous occurrence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "historic precedent" in informal writing?

While "historic precedent" is more common in formal contexts, its use in informal writing depends on the audience and subject matter. In general, consider if a simpler phrase like "past example" would suffice.

What is the difference between "historic precedent" and "historical tradition"?

"Historic precedent" refers to a specific prior instance that guides a current decision, while "historical tradition" refers to customs or practices that have been passed down through generations. A "historic precedent" is more about a specific case; a "historic tradition" is a broader practice.