preceded by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preceded by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a sequence of events, typically in the past, or when describing a list of items in order of appearance. For example: "The lecture was preceded by a demonstration on using the lab equipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This preceded 9/11," Fein, who has known both men professionally for decades, said.

The New Yorker

Early wound complications preceded 4/5 infections presenting within 9 weeks of surgery.

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

M136I preceded V280A in the natural evolution of NP.

eLife

One minute's acclimatization preceded 2½ minute recording.

Helicobacter

It had fallen in 10 of the preceding 12 sessions.

The New York Times

"It took the preceding 50 centuries to do that.

The New York Times

That compares with almost 4percentt over the preceding 10 years.

The Washington Post

Because the ideas build progressively: PHYS 410 must precede PHYS 440, and PHYS 440 must precede 441, 420, and 430.

Yale University

Issues for 1910-1917/18 eacoverver the preceding 10 year period.

Stanford University

(The number 1 preceding CH4 and CO2 is implied).

Encyclopedia Britannica

580 (words preceding 3d proviso of 1st par. under "Officers for Engineering Duty Only"); May 11 , 1928 ch.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preceded by" to clearly establish chronological order or sequence. This helps readers understand the relationship between events or items, especially when the order is important for comprehension.

Common error

Avoid confusing "preceded by" with active voice constructions. Incorrectly using active voice can obscure the subject and lead to awkward phrasing. Ensure the subject is clearly identified when using "preceded by".

Linguistic Context

Preceded by acts as a prepositional phrase, typically indicating that one element or event occurs before another. It's used to establish a sequence or chronological order. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preceded by" is a useful prepositional phrase for indicating that one event or item occurs before another in a sequence. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, it's most common in news, scientific, and academic contexts. For simpler language, consider alternatives like "came before". Use "preceded by" to clearly establish chronological order, but avoid confusing it with active voice constructions. When you need to describe a sequence, "preceded by" provides a clear and effective way to do so.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

came before

A simpler way to express the sequence, focusing on temporal order.

followed by

Indicates the inverse relationship; something comes after instead of before.

went before

More informal and emphasizes the act of going in advance.

was antecedent to

More formal and emphasizes a cause-and-effect relationship.

antedated by

Formal and emphasizes the earlier occurrence in time.

was preliminary to

Highlights that something is an initial step or preparation.

was introductory to

Focuses on setting the stage or introducing what follows.

set the stage for

Idiomatic and emphasizes preparation for a later event.

paved the way for

Highlights that something made the subsequent event possible.

heralding

Implies the first event announces or signals the arrival of the second event.

FAQs

How can I use "preceded by" in a sentence?

Use "preceded by" to indicate that one event or item comes before another in a sequence. For example, "The concert was "preceded by" a short film".

What's a simpler way to say "preceded by"?

Alternatives include "came before", "followed by" (if reversing the order), or "went before". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "preceded by" formal or informal?

"Preceded by" is generally considered neutral to formal. Simpler alternatives like "came before" might be more appropriate in very informal contexts.

What's the difference between "preceded by" and "followed by"?

"Preceded by" indicates that something happens before something else, while "followed by" indicates that something happens after. They describe opposite directions in a sequence.