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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
most former studies
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "most former studies" is not correct in written English.
The correct term would be "most previous studies" or "most earlier studies." Example: "In contrast to most previous studies, this research focuses on a different demographic."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
14 human-written examples
Contrary to most former studies which focus on daily predictions, we compare these models in an intraday stock trading scenario using high-frequency data.
Science
Thirdly, unlike most former studies that only aim to minimise statistical error measures, we compare this approach with financially more relevant risk-adjusted objective functions.
Science
Also, most former studies were conducted in the general population using self-report delinquency measures.
Most former studies [ 23, 27, 40] determined dietary patterns for boys and girls together.
Science
In most former studies, few study participants were elderly and exclusion criteria were more relaxed than in our study.
Science
However, in most former studies, positive results can be explained by insufficient control of the relative brightness of the stimuli.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
45 human-written examples
The number of patients in most of former studies about the association of EGF +61 G/A to cancers were less than 300, which might lead to a different result from our study involving 677 glioma patients and 698 healthy controls.
Science
Both geometry and spatial information descriptions are critical for a 3D local descriptor, while most previous studies concentrate on the former one.
Science
As most previous studies have focussed upon the former we determined, in a series of pilot studies, the time course of GC action on these separate processes in U937 cells (data not shown).
Science
In line with most previous studies, we found that DNA methylation varies between current smokers and former smokers for most significant CpG sites.
Our study confirmed the significant positive relationship between BMI and BF% which was demonstrated in most of the former studies.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "most former studies" in formal writing. Instead, opt for alternatives like "most previous studies" or "most earlier studies" to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.
Common error
A common mistake is using "former" to describe studies conducted in the past. "Former" typically refers to a previous role or state (e.g., a former employee). To accurately refer to past studies, use "previous", "prior", or "earlier".
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "most former studies" functions as a determiner phrase, attempting to specify a subset of studies. However, as Ludwig AI clarifies, the construction is considered grammatically incorrect, affecting its functionality in formal writing.
Frequent in
Science
100%
Less common in
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "most former studies" appears in various scientific articles cataloged by Ludwig, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI recommends using alternatives such as "most previous studies" or "most prior studies" to accurately and professionally refer to research conducted in the past. The contexts where this phrase is found are predominantly scientific, but its flawed grammar reduces its effectiveness and credibility in formal writing. Therefore, substituting it with a more standard and accepted phrase is advisable.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
most previous studies
Replaces "former" with "previous", which is a more standard and grammatically correct term for indicating studies conducted in the past.
most prior studies
Uses "prior" instead of "former", providing a slightly more formal alternative with the same temporal meaning.
most earlier studies
Substitutes "former" with "earlier", emphasizing the temporal aspect of the studies being referenced.
the majority of past studies
Rephrases the idea to focus on the proportion of studies, using "majority" and "past" to convey the same meaning.
a majority of earlier research
Combines "majority" with "earlier research" to emphasize the extent and timing of the studies.
most of the past research
Uses "most of the" along with "past research" to indicate a substantial portion of studies conducted previously.
the bulk of previous research
Employs "bulk of" to highlight the substantial amount of research done before, similar to "most".
prior research indicates
Shortens the phrase and uses "prior research indicates" to directly state what earlier studies have shown.
earlier findings suggest
Focuses on the findings of previous studies using the phrase "earlier findings suggest".
past investigations reveal
Highlights past investigations and their revelations, emphasizing the investigative nature of earlier studies.
FAQs
What's the correct way to refer to studies done in the past?
Instead of saying "most former studies", it's grammatically correct to use phrases like "most previous studies", "most prior studies", or "most earlier studies".
Is "most former studies" grammatically correct?
No, the phrase "most former studies" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The word "former" is typically used to describe a previous role or state, not past events or studies. Use alternatives such as "most previous studies".
What can I say instead of "most former studies" to sound more professional?
For a more professional tone, replace "most former studies" with phrases like "most prior studies", "the majority of past studies", or "the bulk of previous research".
How does using "previous" or "prior" change the meaning compared to "former" in the context of research?
Using "previous" or "prior" clarifies that you are referring to studies conducted at an earlier time. "Former" implies a role or state that no longer exists, which doesn't fit the context of academic research. Using "most previous studies" accurately conveys that you are discussing earlier research.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested