preceding

USAGE SUMMARY

"preceding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an event or thing that happened or existed before something else. For example: "The preceding year was filled with successes and disappointments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To be considered for publication on Saturday, emails should include a full postal address (not for publication), must reach us by midday on the preceding Tuesday and may be edited.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Excavations in the fort show the area was inhabited in five preceding Delhis, and even earlier, reportedly back to 300 BC.

The Guardian

We shouldn't be surprised to see growth moderate somewhat from the very robust rate in the preceding quarter.

The Guardian - Business

(2006) (statement of Michael Hayden) (stating, in debate preceding passage of FAA's predecessor statute, that certain communications 'with one end in the United States" are the ones "that are most important to us').

The Guardian - Opinion

By the end of the lesson we had both made it upright several times – very briefly, admittedly, and always preceding an epic wipeout – and felt quite proud of ourselves.

The Guardian - Travel

That's the fundamental," Scullion told media, adding that it was a successful aspect of the policy preceding RJCP.

The Guardian

The vote immediately preceding it is to decide whether Israel should be suspended from the governing body over its treatment of Palestinians.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: How to survive a medical emergency on your year abroad In the 12 months preceding the UN's survey, 3.4% of French women had experienced physical and/or sexual violence, while in Spain the figure was 9.6%.

The Guardian

Among the findings in the report are: One in 10 women have experienced some form of sexual violence since the age of 15, while one in 20 has been raped One in five women have experienced some form of stalking since the age of 15, with 5% having experienced it in the 12 months preceding the survey.

The Guardian

There was 25 minutes of music preceding the speech, including a gospel choir performing Eminem's Lose Yourself.

The Guardian - Opinion

In one small comment he ignored several millennia of preceding history not to mention the consequences this invasion has had on Indigenous people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preceding" to clearly indicate the order of events or items, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity in your writing. For instance, "Review the preceding chapter for a better understanding."

Common error

Ensure you're using "preceding" to refer to what comes before, not what follows. "Succeeding" is the opposite, indicating what comes after. Double-check your context to avoid misrepresenting the sequence.

How to use

Learn how to use "preceding" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "preceding" is as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that it comes before something else in time, order, or sequence. Ludwig shows it used in various contexts to specify which item or event occurred earlier.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "preceding" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to indicate something that comes before another in time, order, or sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widely accepted. It finds its primary contexts in news and media and formal business settings, highlighting its utility in professional communication. While alternatives like "previous" and "prior" exist, "preceding" maintains a clear and often formal tone. To use it effectively, ensure a clear understanding of the sequence you're describing and avoid confusion with its antonym, "succeeding".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous

This term is a direct synonym, often interchangeable with "preceding" but may imply a more immediate sequence.

prior

This term is similar, but can also imply a sense of importance or priority, not just temporal order.

earlier

Refers to something that happened at an earlier time, emphasizing the temporal aspect.

aforementioned

Used to refer back to something already mentioned, suitable in formal writing.

antecedent

More formal and technical term, often used in logic or grammar to denote what comes before.

foregoing

A formal alternative that indicates something that has just been mentioned or discussed.

preliminary

Indicates something that comes before as an introduction or preparation.

introductory

Describes something that introduces or precedes the main part.

initial

Refers to the very first in a series or sequence.

pre-existing

Highlights that something existed before the current situation or event.

FAQs

How can I use "preceding" in a sentence?

Use "preceding" to indicate something that comes before another thing in time, order, or importance. For example, "The information in the "preceding chapter" is essential for understanding this section."

What are some alternatives to "preceding"?

You can use alternatives such as "previous", "prior", or "earlier" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "preceding" and "previous"?

While "preceding" and "previous" are often interchangeable, "previous" might imply a more direct or immediate sequence than "preceding".

What is the difference between "preceding" and "following"?

"Preceding" refers to something that comes before, while "following" refers to something that comes after. They are direct antonyms.