previous and next

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous and next" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to things that come before and after something else in a sequence. For example, "You should consider the previous and next steps carefully before making your decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A best match search of this template is conducted within a 28×28 pixel area of the previous and next frames.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Pagination styles across all pages have been updated to solid blue for previous and next buttons.

Columbia University

Use the Previous and Next buttons, enter the Page Number or select the Number of Rows to find events.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Similarly, the Play, Menu, Previous and Next buttons are now four round, backlighted buttons just below the screen.

The New York Times - Tech

The rate_mean will be the mean of three values - the current, previous, and next rows - i.e. a "running" or "moving" average.

Harvard University

_Read the previous and next installments in the series, "How Jehovah's Witnesses Are Changing Medicine" and "The Ethics of Bloodless Medicine".

The New Yorker

Name the other species by clicking on the links on the right-hand side or the previous and next buttons at the top of the page.

The Guardian

Read the previous and next installments in the series, "How Jehovah's Witnesses Are Changing Medicine" and "The Ethics of Bloodless Medicine".

The New Yorker

Specifically, the solar eclipse did not affect the Es layer in terms of its maximum intensity, which is comparable with that of the previous and next day, but rather in terms of its persistence.

Advances in Space Research

Another important characteristic of KDet is that it does not rely on path information: monitoring nodes do not have to know the complete path a packet follows, just the previous and next hop.

Journal of Network and Computer Applications

Erroneous data blocks are rigorously excluded from the data records using missing values while obvious errors (e.g. 0.00 hPa for air pressure) are replaced by interpolated estimates using previous and next minute data where possible.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to adjacent items in a sequence, such as pages in a document or steps in a process, use "previous and next" to clearly indicate the immediate surrounding elements.

Common error

Avoid using "previous and next" when referring to items that do not have a clear sequential relationship. Use alternatives like "earlier and later" or "former and latter" when the order is less critical or not strictly adjacent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous and next" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, often indicating position in a sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to specify items directly before and after a given point. For example, "the previous and next pages".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previous and next" is a versatile and commonly used term for indicating sequential relationships, especially adjacent items in a series. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. It is found across diverse contexts, with a notable presence in scientific, news, and academic domains. When using this phrase, ensure a clear sequential relationship exists between the items being referenced. While authoritative sources frequently employ "previous and next", it's best to reserve "former and latter" for situations without a clear sequential order and when both options have already been explicitly named. Alternatives such as "preceding and succeeding" can be used for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous and following

Similar meaning, slightly more formal.

before and after

Highlights the temporal order with a general sense of sequence.

earlier and later

Focuses on the temporal relationship between two elements.

preceding and succeeding

Emphasizes a more formal or technical sequence.

prior and subsequent

Highlights a formal, temporal sequence.

former and latter

More formal and often used when referring to two previously mentioned items.

immediately before and immediately after

Highlights the immediate proximity in sequence.

one before and one after

More descriptive and less concise.

penultimate and ultimate

Refers specifically to the second-to-last and the last element.

first and last

Contrasts the initial and final elements in a series.

FAQs

How do I use "previous and next" in a sentence?

Use "previous and next" to refer to items directly before and after a specific point in a sequence. For example, "Click the "next button" to advance to the next page" or "Consider both the "previous chapter" and this one for a complete understanding".

What are some alternatives to saying "previous and next"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "before and after", "earlier and later", or "preceding and following" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "previous and next"?

Yes, it's incorrect if the items being referred to are not in a clear sequence. In such cases, terms like "related" or "other" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "previous and next" and "former and latter"?

"Previous and next" is typically used for sequential items directly adjacent to the current one, while "former and latter" refers to two items already mentioned, without necessarily implying adjacency.