preceding years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preceding years" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the years before the present time. For example, "Most companies suffered financial losses in the preceding years due to the current economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the two preceding years, shipment growth had exceeded 20%.

The Economist

Their market value doubled over the five preceding years.

The Economist

In the preceding years, Israel had forged alliances with several African states, Uganda among them.

The Guardian

The exchange rate has since improved but it remains distant from the preceding years of stability.

The Guardian

They had personnel in the field who had witnessed the events of the preceding years.

The New Yorker

Deaths from PMA went from 0 or 1 in the preceding years, to 20 in 2012.

The Guardian

This year, it's 25 already, with 20 and 19 in the preceding years.

The Guardian - Sport

His Test average had bloomed from 36 to more than 50 in the six preceding years.

The Guardian - Sport

Some of the paintings made in the preceding years take on a clinical aspect.

Independent

My only consolation is that this is a vast improvement over the six preceding years.

The New York Times

For many, they distil all the accumulated waste and loss of four preceding years.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preceding years", ensure the context clearly establishes the point of reference. For example, "In the preceding years before the war" clarifies the time frame.

Common error

Avoid using "preceding years" without a clear anchor in time. Readers may not understand which period you're referring to if it's not explicitly stated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preceding years" functions as an adjectival modifier specifying a time period prior to a particular reference point. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is suitable and proper for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preceding years" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to denote years before a specific point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its versatility makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, as evidenced by its prevalence in news, scientific literature, and general-purpose writing. While synonyms like "previous years" or "prior years" can be used, clarity is key: always ensure the point of reference is explicit to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous years

Uses a more common synonym for "preceding".

prior years

Similar to "previous years", but may imply a more formal or legal context.

earlier years

A more general term that can refer to years further in the past.

the years before

A more descriptive way of saying "preceding years".

past years

Focuses on the completed nature of the years in question.

historical years

Emphasizes that the years are part of history.

bygone years

Implies that the years are long past and perhaps somewhat forgotten.

the recent past

Refers to the years immediately before the present.

years leading up to

Highlights the idea of the years as a preparation for something.

former years

Implies that the years are in the past and no longer relevant.

FAQs

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

Use "preceding years" to refer to the years that came before a specific point in time. For example, "The company's profits declined in the preceding years due to increased competition."

What's a more common way to say "preceding years"?

Alternatives to "preceding years" include "previous years", "prior years", or "earlier years", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "preceding years" formal or informal?

"Preceding years" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though "prior years" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "preceding years" and "following years"?

"Preceding years" refers to the years that came before a specific time, while "following years" refers to the years that came after.