in the previous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the previous" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to something that happened in the past, and can be used as an introductory phrase or to connect two ideas together. For example, "In the previous paragraph, we discussed the impact of climate change on our environment. In this section, we will examine solutions to this serious issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Lessig had flown in the previous afternoon.

The New Yorker

Garnett led in the previous returns.

The New York Times - Sports

In the previous quarter, growth was zero.

The New York Times

Exports were 400,000 tons in the previous year.

The New York Times

It earned 126 billion yen in the previous fiscal year.

The New York Times

In the previous quarter, the unit lost $70 million.

The New York Times

In the previous season, average attendance was 1,935.

The New York Times

In the previous 375 years, only 218 saints were canonised.

The Guardian

They were not included in the previous totals.

The New York Times

"The country had 382 legislators in the previous parliament.

The Guardian

She'll regret those mistakes in the previous run.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the previous", ensure it clearly refers to a specific, identifiable item or event in the text to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in the previous" when the reference is vague or could refer to multiple items. Be specific to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the previous" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase. It serves to specify a particular item or event by relating it to one that came before. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the previous" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to refer back to a specific prior instance or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal writing. To ensure clarity, always make sure the reference is clear and unambiguous. When you want to use alternative phrases, consider options such as "in the preceding" or "in the prior". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "in the previous" to enhance the coherence and flow of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the preceding

Replaces "previous" with "preceding", offering a slightly more formal tone.

in the prior

Uses "prior" instead of "previous", a synonym with similar meaning.

in the earlier

Substitutes "previous" with "earlier", indicating a time before the current one.

in the last

Replaces "previous" with "last", which means immediately preceding.

in the past

Replaces "previous" with "past", focusing on a general time before now.

in the foregoing

Uses "foregoing" as a more formal substitute for "previous".

before this

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct reference to what came before.

in the aforementioned

Replaces "previous" with "aforementioned", used to refer back to something already mentioned.

in the above

Substitutes "previous" with "above", used to reference something in the preceding text.

in the upstream

Substitutes "previous" with "upstream" which implies directionality.

FAQs

How can I use "in the previous" in a sentence?

Use "in the previous" to refer back to a specific item, event, or time frame already mentioned. For example, "In the previous chapter, we discussed the causes of the war; now we will examine its consequences."

What are some alternatives to saying "in the previous"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "in the preceding", "in the prior", or "earlier" as alternatives to "in the previous".

Is it correct to say "in the previous" or should I use "in previous"?

The phrase "in the previous" is grammatically correct when referring to a specific prior instance. "In previous" is used more generally to describe multiple past instances, without pointing to a specific one.

What is the difference between "in the previous" and "in the following"?

"In the previous" refers to something that has already occurred or been mentioned, while "in the following" refers to something that will occur or be mentioned next.