on the previous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the previous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that happened prior to the current moment or situation. For example, "On the previous visit, the doctor recommended a change in diet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's up by one-third on the previous year.

Nature

Only one woman sat on the previous 16-member board.

The Guardian - Business

where one association depends on the previous computed associations.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

" This step also builds on the previous one.

WikiHow

Prepare well on the previous day.

WikiHow

Each module builds on the previous learning and action objectives.

Harvard University

A link to the map is on the previous post.

University of California, Berkeley

Click on the previous link for more information.

Princeton University

Revenues were £21.9bn, up £2.5bn on the previous year.

The Guardian - Business

Uncut slid 9.1% on the previous six months.

The Guardian

Love It! was down 18.3% on the previous six months.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the previous" to clearly link current information or actions to past events or data. This helps provide context and demonstrates continuity.

Common error

Avoid using "on the previous" when referring to something only generally related. Ensure there's a direct and clear connection between the current topic and what you're referencing from the past to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the previous" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, indicating a temporal relationship. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct way to point to something that occurred or existed before the current subject of discussion. The examples from Ludwig show varied usages in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the previous" serves as a prepositional phrase employed to denote a reference to a preceding event, item, or timeframe. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure aligns with standard English conventions. Evidenced by its frequent occurrence in diverse contexts like news media, scientific literature, and academic papers, "on the previous" proves versatile and widely applicable. To maximize clarity, writers should ensure a direct and unmistakable connection between the current topic and the historical reference. This phrase is valuable for establishing connections between past and present information, adding context, and facilitating a deeper understanding for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the preceding

Replaces "on" with "in" and "previous" with "preceding", maintaining the temporal reference.

in the prior

Replaces "previous" with "prior", which keeps the meaning virtually identical.

in the earlier

Substitutes "previous" for "earlier," retaining similar temporal context.

prior to this

Uses a different structure to indicate something happened before the current point.

previously

A single-word adverb that conveys the same meaning of something happening earlier.

on the prior occasion

Adds specificity by using "occasion" to clarify a past instance.

before the current

Indicates a time frame earlier than the present one, focusing on the contrast with what is happening now.

in the foregoing

Formally refers to something already mentioned or discussed.

in retrospect

Focuses on looking back at an event or situation.

antecedently

Formally specifies something that precedes in time or order.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the previous" to refer back to a prior time, event, or item. For example, "The sales figures were higher than "on the previous" quarter."

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

Some alternatives to "on the previous" include "in the preceding", "prior to this", or "in the prior" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "on the previous" and "in the previous"?

While both "on the previous" and "in the previous" are acceptable, "on the previous" is more common when referring to specific instances or data points, whereas "in the previous" is more suited for broad timeframes or periods.

Can I use "on the previous" in formal writing?

Yes, "on the previous" is suitable for formal writing. It is commonly used in academic, business, and news contexts to provide clear and concise references to past information or events.