preceding element

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preceding element" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as mathematics, programming, or any situation where you refer to an item that comes before another in a sequence. Example: "In the list of numbers, the preceding element to 5 is 4."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The atoms of each element are formed out of the destroyed atoms of the preceding element.

Britannica

Ellipses indicate that there can be more than one of the preceding element.

University of California, Berkeley

Introspective research led the members of the Würzburg school to conclude that the emergence of the required element depends jointly on the immediately preceding element and on some kind of "determining tendency" such as Aufgabe ("awareness of task") or "representation of the goal".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first, consistent with the upper ontology design of DOLCE, is that the insertion of 的 de 'DE' marks the preceding element as denoting perdurant properties.

Lingua Sinica

Based on the occurrence of DE-insertion with D-M phrandsupportedpported by examples involving other compounds, it seem that perhaps 的 de 'DE' may have a single uniform function of marking the property denoted by preceding element as time-variant and perdurant.

Lingua Sinica

step) had two elements, in which the second element was ≥10 kHz different from the preceding element and there was no separation in time between steps (these are similar to the two syllable calls described by Scattoni et al., [13] and the single frequency jumped syllables described by Holy and Guo [14]). 2 Frequency step syllables (2 freq.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

While each of the preceding elements of maneuver warfare represents a valuable concept on its own, the benefits of this combat philosophy are most fully realized when the elements work together.

Harvard Business Review

The very latest of them, though still radioactive, belong to a long-sought "island of stability," where their atomic nuclei are almost a million times stabler than those of the preceding elements.

The New Yorker

The base of the neural spine of this vertebra is approximately twice as broad as those of the preceding elements and is united to the prezygapophyses by an incipiently developed spinoprezygapophyseal lamina.

Plosone

These cells can, however, complete the preceding elements of mitosis.

Cell and Bioscience

Thus the results cannot easily be attributed to acoustical differences and instead reflect the sequencing condition in which the nonsense word elements occurred (i.e., whether the order of the preceding elements in the sequence lead to the analysed element being consistent with or in violation of the AG).

Brain and Language

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "preceding element" in technical documentation, clearly define the context to ensure readers understand the sequence or structure being referenced. For instance, specify if it's a list, array, or process.

Common error

Avoid using "preceding element" without a clear reference point. Always ensure the element to which you are referring is explicitly defined or easily understood within the context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preceding element" functions as a modifier combined with a noun, primarily to specify a relationship of order or sequence. Ludwig examples show it frequently appears in technical, scientific, and mathematical contexts, indicating an item that directly precedes another.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

News & Media

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preceding element" is grammatically correct and serves to denote an item that comes before another in a sequence. Ludwig confirms its prevalent use in scientific, technical, and academic contexts, with primary functions that encompass specification of order and enhancement of clarity. Though categorized as uncommon in overall frequency, it’s invaluable for precision in formal writing. When using this phrase, remember to explicitly define the context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "previous element" or "prior element" offer simpler options for general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous element

Replaces "preceding" with "previous", a common synonym indicating something that comes before.

prior element

Substitutes "preceding" with "prior", another synonym that emphasizes the order in a sequence.

element before

Uses a more explicit phrasing to indicate the element that comes before another.

earlier element

Replaces "preceding" with "earlier", focusing on the temporal aspect of the sequence.

antecedent element

Employs the term "antecedent" for a more formal or technical tone, referring to what comes before.

element immediately before

Adds "immediately" to specify that the element is directly before the one being referenced.

the element that comes before

Offers a more descriptive and less concise way of expressing the concept.

penultimate element

Refers to the element that is second to last, assuming a specific context in a sequence.

predecessor element

Uses "predecessor" to indicate an element that comes before in a hierarchical or sequential structure.

element in the immediately preceding position

A more verbose version, highlighting the exact positioning of the element.

FAQs

How can I use "preceding element" in a sentence?

In a sentence, "preceding element" refers to the item that comes directly before another. For example, "In this array, the "preceding element" to '7' is '4' if the sequence is 1, 4, 7, 9."

What's a simpler way to say "preceding element"?

Simpler alternatives include "previous element" or "prior element". These phrases are generally interchangeable with "preceding element" depending on the context.

Is "preceding element" formal or informal language?

"Preceding element" is suitable for both formal and technical contexts. However, in informal conversation, "previous element" might sound more natural.

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

"Preceding element" refers to what comes before, while "following element" refers to what comes after in a sequence or series.