in prior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in prior" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that happened before something else in time. For example, "I had seen this movie in prior and knew what to expect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In prior years, they may well have been more aggressive.

The New Yorker

That is consistent with the percentage stopped in prior years, Mr. Dunn said.

The New York Times

Instead, she said, PETA's phone-tapping accusations come from a "pattern" laid out in prior lawsuits.

The New York Times

But that was considered routine, no different from similar proposed cuts in prior years.

The New York Times

The officer had not been involved in prior shootings, Mr. Browne said.

The New York Times

These were areas into which Cameron had aggressively expanded in prior years.

The Guardian - Business

They found similar practices had been in place in prior reporting periods.

The Guardian - Business

"In prior administrations, they spent no money on Staten Island," Mr. Giuliani said.

The New York Times

After cutting fat in prior years, "today we must cut the heart out of county government".

The New York Times

In prior periods, you've had price spikes because of big disruptions in supplies.

The New York Times

"I have seen more of an outcry over this increase than I have in prior years".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in prior" to clearly indicate that something occurred or existed before a specific event or time frame being discussed. This helps establish a chronological sequence for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "in prior to" as it is redundant. "Prior to" already includes the concept of "in", making the additional "in" unnecessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in prior" functions as a prepositional modifier, typically preceding a noun (e.g., "in prior years", "in prior studies"). It specifies that something occurred or existed before a particular point in time. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in prior" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that effectively indicates a temporal relationship, signifying that something occurred before a specific point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news articles and scientific publications, and is most effectively used to establish context and chronological order. A common error to avoid is the redundant use of "in prior to"; instead, use only "prior to". With its widespread use and clear meaning, understanding and using "in prior" correctly will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously in

Reverses the order of the words, placing 'previously' before 'in'.

in earlier

Substitutes 'prior' with 'earlier', implying an earlier point in time.

in the past

Replaces 'prior' with 'the past', focusing on a general historical context.

beforehand

Uses an adverb to indicate something done or existing earlier.

in advance

Suggests preparation or action taken ahead of time.

in former

Emphasizes a previous role or state.

in preceding

Highlights the immediately previous instance.

in retrospective

Shifts the perspective to looking back on past events.

in anticipation

Implies actions taken with expectation of future events.

in preliminary

Indicates actions or steps taken as a preparation.

FAQs

How can I use "in prior" in a sentence?

You can use "in prior" to indicate something that happened or existed before a specific time. For example, "The data was collected in prior studies."

What's a good alternative to "in prior"?

Alternatives include "previously in", "in earlier", or "in the past", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in prior to"?

No, "in prior to" is redundant. The phrase "prior to" already includes the meaning of "in".

What is the difference between "in prior" and "previously"?

"In prior" is a prepositional phrase often followed by a noun (e.g., "in prior years"). "Previously" is an adverb and modifies a verb or adjective, indicating that something occurred at an earlier time.