one step prior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one step prior" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to the previous stage or action in a sequence. Example: "Before making the final decision, consider one step prior in the process." Alternative expressions include "one step back" and "the previous step."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This employed the same method as for anaphylatoxins (above), but only one incubation: capture beads and PE-conjugated antibodies were incubated with plasma in one step, prior to detection using the flow cytometer.

British Journal of Haematology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The method of two-step hierarchical priors is a good strategy if it is difficult to determine the prior distribution using a one-step method; even though an incorrect prior is set in step two, the risk of this action resulting in a mistaken result is smaller than in a one-step prior [ 26].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

All other clinics clipped and performed at least one skin preparation step prior to moving the patient to the surgical suite.

BMC Veterinary Research

Our protocol for BAC library construction includes only one size selection step prior to cloning due to low amounts of high molecular weight DNA obtained from sorted chromosomes.

BMC Genomics

The present work takes these prior observations one step further by showing that spatial analogies are also produced in spontaneous behavior.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

As the list in the step prior to this one shows, each of these elements is often absent in a highly stressed person, as hyper-sensitivity to other people's verbal and bodily cues and a high state of alertness for danger brought on by real or perceived dangers in the workplace, on the street, in social settings, etc. take over.

WikiHow

The present paper describes one step toward that goal, one that synthesizes prior work on microstructural models of soft tissues and an analytical solution from finite elasticity.

Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology

This quandary can be addressed by retaining only one representative variable from every group of completely redundant variables in a pre-processing step prior to analysis.

BMC Genomics

Prior to Chapala's arrival, the UN already classified 10 of Yemen's 22 governorates as "one step below famine".

Vice

Six steps plus one step = seven steps.

The Guardian - Sport

One step forward, one step back.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "previous step" or "preceding action" for variety in your writing, but only if they fit the context without changing the core meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "one step prior" when referring to a more distant or indirect preceding event. This phrase implies a direct and immediate sequence; for more remote connections, consider using phrases like "a few steps prior" or "an earlier stage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one step prior" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically another "step", "stage", or "action". It indicates the immediately preceding element in a sequence or process, as showcased in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one step prior" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the preceding action or stage in a process. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it is important to use it in contexts where the sequence is well-defined. The phrase finds considerable use in scientific and technical documentation, and while alternatives like "previous step" exist, "one step prior" offers a unique emphasis on immediacy within a sequence. By keeping in mind both its strengths and the contexts where it is most appropriate, you can make effective use of the expression in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the preceding stage

Replaces "step" with "stage", emphasizing a defined point in a process or sequence.

the foregoing step

Uses more formal vocabulary ("foregoing") to indicate what comes before.

the prior action

Substitutes "step" with "action", focusing on a specific deed or activity.

the antecedent phase

Replaces both "step" and "prior" with more technical or academic terms.

immediately preceding step

Adds "immediately" to emphasize the direct and temporal proximity.

the step beforehand

Replaces "prior" with "beforehand", offering a simpler alternative.

the previous phase

Focuses on phases instead of steps to express the sequence.

the earlier action

Uses "earlier" to suggest that something happened further back in the process than "prior".

the initial move

Replaces "step" with "move", suggesting the first action in a sequence.

the introductory part

Emphasizes the function of a step as an introduction or lead-in.

FAQs

How can I use "one step prior" in a sentence?

You can use "one step prior" to indicate a preceding action or stage in a sequence. For example, "Purification is the "step prior to" crystallization."

What's a simpler way to say "one step prior"?

Simpler alternatives include "previous step", "preceding action", or "the "step before"". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "one step prior" or "previous step"?

"One step prior" and "previous step" are fairly neutral in formality. The choice depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of your writing. More formal options exist, like "the "foregoing step"".

In what contexts is "one step prior" most appropriate?

"One step prior" is suitable in contexts where precision and clarity are important, such as scientific procedures, legal documents, or detailed instructions. It helps clearly define the sequence of events.