offer a precedent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offer a precedent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or action that sets an example or standard for future cases or decisions. Example: "The court's ruling in this case may offer a precedent for similar legal disputes in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But Cushing's actions still offer a precedent for cooperation and compromise.

The New York Times

Tells how the successful 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia does not offer a precedent for the Russian now.

The New Yorker

Each of these emergency releases sought to remedy a discrete supply reduction and none offer a precedent for a release under the current circumstances.

The New York Times

At this point, such an account must remain somewhat speculative as the literature does not offer a precedent for stronger holistic effects for inverted stimuli.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

It would protect the indigenous tribes living in Yasuni and also offer a precedent for reducing future carbon emissions by forgoing fossil fuel extraction.

Science Magazine

There are plenty of safe driving apps for cell phones, which might offer a precedent for Google to follow.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Taiwan offers a precedent.

The Economist

The episode offers a precedent for Trump, but an ambiguous one, given Nixon's fate.

The New Yorker

Yet the Impac in Dublin offers a precedent, dividing the award between author and translator in cases of foreign-language winners.

The Guardian - Books

"Deathtrap" offers a precedent for such casting in its original Broadway leading man: John Wood, a Briton who must have found the meta-theatrical to be something of a lark, at least by comparison with the Molières and Stoppards that kept Mr. Wood on the New York stage throughout much of the 1970s.

The New York Times - Arts

They have offered a precedent-setting approach to embed true respect for people's feelings into risk management policy making.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "offer a precedent", ensure the context clearly illustrates how the action or situation serves as a guide for future similar cases. Providing specific details strengthens the impact of the precedent.

Common error

Avoid using "offer a precedent" when the situation is unique or unlikely to be repeated. Overstating its importance can diminish the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offer a precedent" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something provides an example or standard for future actions or decisions. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and understandable. The phrase typically connects a current event or action to its potential impact on future similar situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "offer a precedent" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe something that sets an example for future actions, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it finds usage across news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the situation indeed provides a relevant guide for future cases and avoid overstating its significance. Alternative phrases like "set a precedent" or "provide a model" can also be considered for variety. The phrase's role is to emphasize the long-term impact of decisions, framing them as potential guidelines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set a precedent

Emphasizes the act of establishing a new standard, similar to offering one.

provide a model

Focuses on presenting a pattern or example to be followed.

establish a pattern

Highlights the creation of a recurring example or standard.

create a benchmark

Implies setting a standard against which others can be measured.

give an example

Presents a specific instance that serves as a guide.

present a guideline

Offers a set of principles or advice for future actions.

form a basis

Indicates the creation of a foundational principle for future decisions.

lay the groundwork

Suggests preparing the foundation for future actions or decisions.

pave the way

Implies creating a path or opportunity for future developments.

furnish an instance

Offers a specific occurrence that can be used as a reference.

FAQs

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

You can use "offer a precedent" to describe a situation or action that sets an example for future similar cases. For example, "The court's ruling in this case may "offer a precedent" for similar legal disputes in the future."

What are some alternatives to "offer a precedent"?

Alternatives include "set a precedent", "provide a model", or "establish a pattern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "offer a precedent" or "set a precedent"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. "Set a precedent" emphasizes the act of establishing a new standard, while "offer a precedent" highlights how a specific action can be used as guidance. The better choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean for a legal decision to "offer a precedent"?

When a legal decision "offer a precedent", it means that the ruling can be used as a basis for deciding similar cases in the future. This helps ensure consistency and predictability in the legal system.