preceding semester

USAGE SUMMARY

"preceding semester" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to the semester that occurred prior to the current one. For example, "My grades from the preceding semester were much higher than this one."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The additional security and the somber mood resulted, students say, from revelations about shared quiz answers, unearned grades and even bribes over the course of the preceding semester.

The New York Times

Registration for electives will occur in the preceding semester (mid-Spring for Fall, mid-Fall for Spring).

University of California, Berkeley

Graduate and undergraduate students who have a formal medical withdrawal status OR are on approved pregnancy leave AND were enrolled in the Plan the in the preceding semester as a registered student may be eligible for voluntary SHIP.

University of California, Berkeley

Proposals for the series are accepted beginning in the preceding semester until the schedule is full.

Duke University

Students who received veteran's benefits at JHU-SAIS the preceding semester and plan to re-enroll with no change of objective should inform the Certifying Official at the time of registration that they wish to be re-certified under the provisions of their original VA Form 22-1990.

Johns Hopkins University

The primary outcome indicator (dependent variable) was self-reported class attendance during the preceding semester.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Students will be notified of their appointments near the end of the preceding semesters.

Duke University

You should try to find an advisor a few weeks before the end of the semester preceding the semester during which you will actually do the independent study.

Duke University

In the semester preceding the first semester of this study, the students subjectively rated their relative increase in knowledge of how to treat a trauma patient at 80%.

BMC Medical Education

All students must have at least a B average for the fall and spring semesters of the academic year preceding the semester abroad.

Princeton University

2) Register the preceding spring semester.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preceding semester", ensure the context clearly indicates which specific semester you are referring to, especially if multiple semesters are being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "preceding semester" to refer to a future semester. It strictly refers to a semester that has already occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preceding semester" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "semester". It specifies which semester is being referred to in relation to the current one. Ludwig examples confirm its adjectival use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

50%

Science

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preceding semester" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to denote the semester immediately before the current one. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use across academia, science, and news media. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately by ensuring it refers only to past semesters and providing clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""previous semester"" or "prior semester" can be used interchangeably. By following these guidelines, writers can confidently and effectively use “preceding semester” in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous semester

Uses a different adjective to indicate the semester before the current one.

prior semester

Employs "prior" as a synonym for "preceding", maintaining the same meaning.

last semester

A more informal way to refer to the semester immediately before the current one.

semester before

A simpler, more direct phrasing.

fall semester prior

Specifies 'fall' and use "prior" to indicate a specific semester before.

spring semester before

Specifies 'spring' and 'before' to indicate the semester that came before.

earlier semester

A more general term for a semester that occurred at some point in the past.

semester immediately before

Adds emphasis on the immediacy of the semester being referenced.

the term before

Uses "term" instead of "semester", but the meaning is the same in many academic contexts.

aforementioned semester

Refers to a semester previously mentioned, often used in more formal writing.

FAQs

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

You can use "preceding semester" to refer to the semester before the current one. For example, "My grades in the "previous semester" were higher than this semester's grades."

What is the difference between "preceding semester" and "prior semester"?

The terms "preceding semester" and "prior semester" are often interchangeable, with very little difference in meaning. Both refer to the semester that came before the current one.

Is it correct to use "preceding semester" in formal writing?

Yes, "preceding semester" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts, as shown by Ludwig.

What alternatives can I use instead of "preceding semester"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""previous semester"", "prior semester", or "last semester".