previous document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a document that was created or referenced before the current one in discussions, reports, or correspondence. Example: "Please review the previous document for the background information needed for this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

ALS. Appended to the previous document.

Princeton University

P.S.: Per my previous document, the ring was a loan.

The New Yorker

It arrived at the same conclusion as the previous document.

The Guardian - Opinion

On Zangger's difficulties with his colleagues, see the previous document.

Princeton University

On Einstein's intense discussions with his colleagues, see the previous document.

Princeton University

It is a more detailed account of the same interrogation summarized in the previous document.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

However, previous documented strategies have revealed important limitations.

Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning

Ms. Johnson said previous documents issued at reviews of the nonproliferation treaty had much "woollier" provisions.

The New York Times

The only previous documented case of West Nile transmission through donated organs was in Florida, in 2002.

The New York Times

The previous documented records were all hurricane-related, with most blown northward during the great hurricane of 1938.

The New York Times

They agree with previous documented analyses of the groundwater droughts while providing for the first time a systematic, spatially coherent characterisation of the events.

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "previous document", ensure that the context makes it clear which specific document you are referencing to avoid ambiguity. If there are multiple documents, consider using a specific title or reference number.

Common error

Avoid using "previous document" without providing enough context. Readers might not know which document you're referring to, especially if multiple documents have been discussed. Be specific or provide a citation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous document" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a direct object or an object of a preposition. It refers to a specific document that has been mentioned or is understood from the context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

40%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previous document" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a document already cited or understood within a given context. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and readily usable in written English across diverse fields. Analysis of various authoritative sources indicates that it is frequently used in academic, news media, and scientific domains. For enhanced clarity, consider specifying the document by its title or identifier to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "earlier document" or "prior document" offer similar meanings, allowing for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earlier document

Replaces "previous" with "earlier", emphasizing the temporal sequence.

prior document

Uses "prior" as a synonym for "previous", indicating precedence.

preceding document

Substitutes "previous" with "preceding", highlighting the order of occurrence.

aforementioned document

Replaces "previous" with "aforementioned", referring back to a document already mentioned.

document mentioned above

More explicit phrasing to indicate a reference to a previously cited document.

document referenced earlier

Replaces "previous" with "referenced earlier", directly linking to a past citation.

the foregoing document

Uses "foregoing" to point to a document that comes before in the text.

antecedent document

Replaces "previous" with "antecedent", specifying a document that logically precedes another.

initial document

Focuses on the document being the first in a series, rather than just preceding the current one.

original document

Highlights the document as the source or the first version, implying it came before subsequent versions.

FAQs

How can I use "previous document" in a sentence?

You can use "previous document" to refer to a document that has already been mentioned or presented. For example, "Please refer to the "previous document" for detailed information on the project's background".

What is a good alternative to "previous document"?

Alternatives include "earlier document", "prior document", or "preceding document". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "previous document" or "prior document"?

Both "previous document" and "prior document" are correct and generally interchangeable. "Previous" might be slightly more common in everyday language, while "prior" can sound more formal.

How do I ensure clarity when using "previous document"?

To ensure clarity, especially in long or complex texts, specify the "previous document" by its title, date, or a unique identifier. This prevents confusion if multiple documents are referenced.