pre-existing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pre-existing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that existed before a certain point in time or before a specific event. Example: "The study focused on pre-existing conditions that could affect the patient's recovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many linkages were pre-existing.

Advances in Health Sciences Education

Pre-existing conditions!

The New York Times

It quenches pre-existing thirst.

The New York Times - Arts

They happen because of pre-existing causes.

The Economist

No pre-existing category of humor.

The New York Times

She died of a pre-existing condition.

The New York Times - Sports

Now you have a pre-existing condition.

The New York Times

His pre-existing rent arrears rocketed.

The Guardian

I was termed a pre-existing condition.

The New York Times - Magazine

Republicans will always support pre-existing conditions!

The Washington Post

Americans with protected pre-existing conditions.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pre-existing" to clearly indicate that something was present or in effect before a specific event or point in time. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid writing "pre existing" as two separate words. "Pre-existing" should always be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun to ensure correct grammar.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pre-existing" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something existed before a specific time or event. Ludwig AI confirms this use through numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pre-existing" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjective that describes something that existed before a particular time or event. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various domains, including news, science, and formal business settings. To maintain clarity, remember to hyphenate it correctly and avoid using it as two separate words. Alternatives such as "previously existing" or "already in place" can be used depending on the specific context. Its frequency and consistent application in authoritative sources underscore its importance in precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously existing

Replaces the hyphenated form with two separate words, maintaining the core meaning.

pre-existent

A more formal and less common synonym, emphasizing prior existence.

already in place

Focuses on the state of being established or available beforehand.

prior

A shorter, more direct way of indicating something that came before.

earlier

A simple way to indicate something occurred or existed at a previous time.

long-standing

Emphasizes the duration of existence, suggesting it has been around for a significant time.

established

Indicates that something has been set up or founded earlier.

antecedent

Highlights the preceding nature of something, often in a causal relationship.

preliminary

Indicates something that comes before as an introduction or preparation.

original

Can imply something was there from the beginning, though it can also mean unique or first of its kind, depending on the context.

FAQs

How can I use "pre-existing" in a sentence?

Use "pre-existing" to describe something that existed before a specific event or time. For example, "The study examined the impact of the new policy on "pre-existing conditions"".

What are some alternatives to using "pre-existing"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "previously existing", "already in place", or "long-standing" as alternatives to "pre-existing".

Is it correct to write "pre existing" instead of "pre-existing"?

No, when used as a compound adjective, it should be hyphenated as "pre-existing". Writing "pre existing" as two separate words is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "pre-existing" and "pre-existent"?

"Pre-existing" and "pre-existent" are synonyms, but "pre-existing" is more commonly used, especially in medical or legal contexts. "Pre-existent" is a more formal and somewhat less frequent alternative.