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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
past research
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"past research" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to research that has already been conducted in the past. For example, "Past research has shown that eating a balanced diet is beneficial for physical health."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
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
60 human-written examples
In the past, research has focused on chess and checkers.
News & Media
The findings are also bolstered by past research.
News & Media
Dr. Redelmeier isn't one to forget about his past research.
News & Media
These results are consistent with some past research.
News & Media
"It was a big surprise to discover this deep dark corner of past research".
News & Media
Naturally, P.G.D. is only available to us now because of past research performed on human embryos.
News & Media
The new study clears up past research which has been mixed in this area.
News & Media
Past research on airfoil aerodynamics in icing are reviewed.
Activity cliffs have been studied in detail in past research.
Science
This paper is little involved in the past research.
Ramirez says her past research career greatly influences her teaching.
Science & Research
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When citing "past research", be specific about the research you are referencing. Include authors, dates, and key findings to provide context and credibility.
Common error
Avoid making overly broad claims based on "past research" without providing specific evidence or acknowledging limitations. Always contextualize and qualify statements with relevant details.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "past research" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in sentences. It refers to studies, investigations, or analyses that have been conducted and completed at some point before the present. Ludwig confirms its correct and widespread usage.
Frequent in
Science
72%
News & Media
26%
Formal & Business
2%
Less common in
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "past research" is a noun phrase denoting studies and investigations completed at some point before the present. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use, primarily in scientific and news contexts. It is commonly used to provide context, support claims, or identify gaps in knowledge. When using "past research", specificity and proper citation are crucial to maintain credibility and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include ""previous studies"" and ""prior investigations"". Therefore, always provide sufficient detail when referring to "past research" to ensure clarity and accuracy.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
previous studies
Replaces "research" with "studies", emphasizing the investigative aspect.
preceding research
Highlights the temporal order of the research, emphasizing what came before.
prior investigations
Substitutes "research" with "investigations", highlighting a formal inquiry.
established research
Highlights research that is well-recognized and accepted.
earlier work
Uses a more general term, "work", to refer to research efforts.
background studies
Refers to research that provides context or foundational knowledge.
historical analysis
Focuses on the analytical aspect of past inquiries.
existing literature
Broader term referring to published research in a field.
retrospective analysis
Focuses on looking back at past data or findings.
legacy studies
Emphasizes studies that have lasting importance or relevance.
FAQs
How can I use "past research" in a sentence?
You can use "past research" to introduce findings from previous studies. For example, "Past research has shown a correlation between exercise and improved mental health".
What are some alternatives to saying "past research"?
Alternatives include "previous studies", "prior investigations", or "earlier work", depending on the specific context.
Is it more appropriate to say "past research" or "previous research"?
"Past research" and "previous research" are often interchangeable, but "past research" might slightly emphasize the completed nature of the research.
How do I cite "past research" correctly in academic writing?
When citing "past research", always include the author's name, publication year, and relevant details about the study's methodology and findings. Follow the citation style required by your field (e.g. APA, MLA, Chicago).
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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
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested