precedents

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "precedents" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that has already happened and that it serves as an example or authority for what should happen in similar circumstances. For example: "The Supreme Court must consider past precedents when making their decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Long before he reached that the statistical columns were being perused for precedents in the fourth innings of a Headingley Test.

The Guardian - Sport

Throughout the remainder of the memo, citations, sentences and even whole paragraphs have been stripped out, in some cases to protect genuine sources and methods but in others to obscure the precedents underlying the government's legal arguments.

The Guardian - Opinion

The bigger issue for many is the lack of clarity or consistency in the language of treaties, and the role of precedents.

The Guardian

Those amendments were subsequently introduced and the judges had buttressed them with new practice directions and new precedents.

The Guardian

Charles Gordon, an arbitrator with global mediation firm Jams International, said he'd like to see binding precedents used in arbitrations, and tighter language used across treaties.

The Guardian

The bad news for party activists who study the Swedish or Canadian axe-wielding precedents is that success was accompanied by a marked rise in inequality.

The Guardian

Had the archive been more widely known, international law enforcers say it would have given them new understandings and legal precedents to use in international criminal justice trials.

The Guardian

There have been plenty of precedents, along with kidnapping, fuel laundering, drug-running and assorted racketeering �� along with murder, of course.

The Guardian

Defections become more likely.Luckily for today's protesters, there are precedents to emulate.

The Economist

Mr Rehnquist believes it, too, but he is more reluctant to scrap long-standing precedents.

The Economist

One cannot necessarily discern what a judge in a lower court believes simply by looking at his rulings, because he is obliged to defer to precedents established by the Supreme Court.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, use "precedents" to connect your research to established scholarship and demonstrate an understanding of the field's history.

Common error

Avoid basing your entire argument on a single "precedent". Multiple examples provide a more robust and convincing case, demonstrating a pattern rather than an isolated incident.

Linguistic Context

The term "precedents" functions as a noun, typically referring to previous instances, rulings, or practices that serve as a guide or justification for subsequent actions or decisions. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precedents" refers to prior instances that serve as a guide for future actions or decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, business, and legal contexts. When writing, citing "precedents" can significantly strengthen your arguments by providing historical context and authoritative support. Related terms include "prior instances", "established norms", and "past practices". A common mistake is over-relying on a single "precedent", which weakens your argument. Overall, understanding and utilizing "precedents" effectively enhances the credibility and persuasiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prior instances

Emphasizes specific occurrences that have happened before, similar to the idea of "precedents".

Previous examples

Directly refers to earlier cases or illustrations that can be used as a reference.

Established norms

Focuses on standards and conventions that have been accepted and followed over time.

Past practices

Highlights actions or methods used in the past, serving as a guide for current behavior.

Historical antecedents

Emphasizes the historical background and preceding events that influence present actions.

Model cases

Refers to exemplary instances that serve as a template or guide for similar situations.

Judicial rulings

Specifically refers to court decisions that set a standard for future legal cases.

Legal history

Encompasses the evolution of laws and the historical context that shapes current legal practices.

Guiding principles

Focuses on fundamental rules or beliefs that influence decision-making and behavior.

Track record

Highlights a consistent history of performance or behavior that can be used to predict future outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "precedents" in a sentence?

You can use "precedents" to refer to past instances that serve as a guide for current decisions. For example: "The court's decision was based on established "prior instances"."

What is a simple way to explain "precedents"?

A simple way to explain "precedents" is to describe them as examples from the past that help guide what should be done now.

What are some synonyms for "precedents"?

Some synonyms for "precedents" include "prior instances", "established norms", and "past practices".

How do "precedents" affect legal decisions?

"Precedents" play a crucial role in legal decisions by providing a framework for judges to follow, ensuring consistency and fairness in the application of the law. They are part of the "legal history".