in the previous cases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the previous cases" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to situations that have occurred before and to make comparisons. For example: "In the previous cases, the defendants were found to be innocent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The authorities have said some shots in the previous cases came from overpasses.

The New York Times

As in the previous cases, lawyers say, the questions are not new: What is collusion and how can it be stopped?

The New York Times

He added: "I join the court's opinion here without conceding the dissenting positions" that he and the others had expressed in the previous cases.

The New York Times

There have been no charges so far in the previous cases of arson against mosques in the West Bank.

The New York Times

In the previous cases, the battles were fought over spending, and they were resolved in ways that have earned Nigeria the second-worst spot in Transparency International's latest ranking on corruption.

The New York Times

Would it be better for the attorney general, for your administration and for the vice president's candidacy if he invited such an investigation? A. Well, first let me say, my understanding is -- I know this is true in the previous cases and I think it's true here, is that there are some people in the Justice Department that think there should be, and some who think there shouldn't be.

The New York Times

As in the previous cases, the simulated prices reproduce the theoretical ones properly.19.19

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

The dried samples Fe3O4 and dry residue DR3 were studied, as in the previous cases.

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"In all the previous cases, the computer-generated scores performed the best.

TechCrunch

And the fact that he was acquitted in the previous case is not necessarily considered an advantage in this one.

The New York Times

Mr. Bildson testified in the previous case and was removed as a named defendant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the previous cases", ensure that the reference to past situations is clear and relevant to the current discussion. Provide enough context so readers understand which cases you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "in the previous cases" without clearly specifying which cases you are referring to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the previous cases" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, providing context by referencing prior instances. Ludwig's examples show it connects current situations to earlier ones for comparison or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the previous cases" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to connect current discussions with prior events, facilitating comparisons and contextual understanding. According to Ludwig, it’s most frequently found in scientific and news media contexts. To ensure clarity, always provide sufficient context when using this phrase, specifying which cases you are referencing. While it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various registers, avoid vagueness to prevent reader confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in earlier instances

Focuses on specific occurrences rather than the general concept of cases.

as seen previously

Highlights the aspect of having observed something before, implying a comparison.

in prior situations

Emphasizes the situational context more than the legal or formal aspect of "cases".

heretofore

A more formal and concise way of saying "up until now", implying a reference to past events.

in foregoing instances

Similar to "in earlier instances" but with a slightly more formal tone.

as has been the custom

Implies a habitual or standard practice in past situations.

on prior occasions

Focuses on the event-like nature of the previous occurrences.

previously

A simple and direct adverb that conveys the idea of something happening before.

in retrospect

Highlights looking back at past events, often with a different understanding.

in light of what preceded

Emphasizes that the context of previous events helps understand the current one.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the previous cases" to draw a comparison or highlight a pattern. For example, "In the previous cases, the defendants were acquitted due to lack of evidence."

What is a formal alternative to "in the previous cases"?

A more formal alternative is "in earlier instances" or "heretofore", which is suitable for academic or legal writing.

Is there a simpler way to say "in the previous cases"?

Yes, you can use "previously" or "in prior situations" to convey the same meaning in a more concise manner.

How does "in the previous cases" differ from "in the following cases"?

"In the previous cases" refers to situations that have already occurred, while "in the following cases" refers to situations that will be discussed later.