prerequisites

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "prerequisites" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the conditions or requirements that must be met before something else can happen or be done. For example: "Successful completion of the prerequisites is a must before taking this advanced class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Risk-averse studios will be pondering the degree to which Radcliffe ticks the "guys want to be him, women want to be with him" boxes, usually accepted as prerequisites for A-list stardom among male film actors.

The Guardian - Film

The prerequisites were good looks and ambition.

The Guardian - Film

By contrast, most normal-sized people can spend their childhoods nursing dreams of hitting a home run or scoring a goal worthy of Pele hence our assertion that, in this democratic age, the best sports are those where freakish size or shape are not prerequisites for success.

The Economist

However, it does benefit from the fact that its two prerequisites, electricity and water, are fairly well distributed around the world.Crunching the numbersEven if safety, storage and supply are sorted out, does a direct shift to hydrogen make economic sense?

The Economist

Fixing the IMF's governance and giving emerging economies more say are prerequisites if the fund is to build upon its newly acquired relevance.

The Economist

Computing clearly does not, at least not yet.Special report Securing the cloud Tools of the trade The weakest link Biometric fact and fiction When the door is always open Putting it all together The mouse that might roar Acknowledgments Reprints Related items Digital security: How to worry wiselyOct 24th 2002One of the many prerequisites for computing to become a utility is adequate security.

The Economist

Before negotiations of any sort can start, it has to satisfy the Union that it has met the political prerequisites of "democracy, the rule of law, human rights and... protection of minorities".

The Economist

He went on to spend two fairly successful years with the club.The comparison between Mr Hughes's case and more recent examples of widespread opprobrium suggest that there are two prerequisites for successful reintegration in the modern media environment.

The Economist

Disarmament and identification, both prerequisites for planned elections, have failed to start so many times that no one assumes they will happen this time round; the date for elections has already been pushed back twice.

The Economist

Immanuel Kant's famous "triangle" of factors open economies, democracy and engagement with the outside world are still the prerequisites for reliable peace.

The Economist

In fact, Greek-Cypriots stand to benefit the most from the prospect of a westernised Turkey meeting the prerequisites for entering the EU.It is true that Europe should make some gestures of goodwill towards Turkey, making it clear that the country's Islamic character poses no obstacle to its European aspirations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "prerequisites". For a general audience, use simpler language; for experts, more technical terms are acceptable.

Common error

Don't assume the audience knows what the "prerequisites" are. Always provide context and explanation to avoid confusion and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Linguistic Context

The word "prerequisites" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a set of necessary conditions that must be fulfilled before a particular action or process can begin. Ludwig examples show its use in academic, professional, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prerequisites" is a noun signifying essential requirements or conditions that must be satisfied beforehand. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. To enhance clarity, be specific when listing "prerequisites" and consider your audience's knowledge level. Common alternatives include "essential requirements" and "necessary conditions". Remember to avoid assuming prior knowledge and always provide sufficient context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the term "prerequisites" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential requirements

Emphasizes the indispensable nature of the requirements.

necessary conditions

Focuses on the logical necessity of the conditions.

required qualifications

Highlights the specific qualifications needed.

pre-conditions

Shortened alternative, conveying the idea of conditions that come before.

antecedent conditions

More formal, indicating conditions that precede and influence.

qualifying criteria

Focuses on the criteria that determine eligibility.

mandatory stipulations

Stresses the compulsory nature of the stipulations.

basic foundations

Implies fundamental groundwork is needed.

fundamental principles

Stresses the underlying principles needed.

entry requirements

Specific to cases where the term is related to admittance.

FAQs

How can I use "prerequisites" in a sentence?

You can use "prerequisites" to refer to necessary conditions or requirements that must be met before something else can happen. For instance, "Passing the entrance exam is one of the "essential requirements" for attending this school."

What are some alternatives to using the word "prerequisites"?

Alternatives include "essential requirements", "necessary conditions", or "required qualifications" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "prerequisites" in formal writing?

Yes, "prerequisites" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to refer to requirements or conditions.

What is the difference between "prerequisites" and "requirements"?

"Prerequisites" specifically refer to requirements that must be met before something else can occur, while "requirements" is a broader term that can refer to conditions needed at any stage.