previous encounters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous encounters" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to past meetings or interactions with someone or something. An example would be: "In our previous encounters, we discussed various strategies." Alternative expressions include "prior meetings" and "earlier interactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Lee had previous encounters with the police.

The New York Times

Federer has won all three of their previous encounters.

The New York Times - Sports

The Scot has won both their previous encounters.

The Guardian - Sport

He recognized the officers, he said, from previous encounters.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dryness of tone was not a problem in previous encounters.

The New York Times - Arts

The games in Valencia will not match the brilliance of their previous encounters.

The Guardian - Sport

He credits some of his resolve to having had previous encounters with terrorism.

The New York Times

Federer had beaten del Potro easily in their five previous encounters.

The New York Times - Sports

The right to free imaginative expression has come off worst in many of the previous encounters.

The Guardian

Each of their three previous encounters has finished with a tiebreak.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, both sides said the talks were more candid than previous encounters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previous encounters", ensure the context clearly establishes who or what was involved in those encounters to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "previous encounters" when referring to a single event. The phrase implies multiple interactions or meetings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous encounters" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to past meetings, interactions, or experiences between individuals or entities. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previous encounters" is a versatile noun phrase used to refer to past meetings, interactions, or experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. It is particularly frequent in "News & Media", with a more formal or professional tone overall. Alternatives like "prior meetings" or "earlier interactions" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to clarify the context to avoid ambiguity and ensure the phrase accurately reflects multiple interactions, not a single event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous meetings

A direct synonym, simply reordering the words.

former meetings

Uses 'former' to indicate past occurrences.

prior meetings

Focuses specifically on scheduled meetings from the past.

earlier interactions

Highlights the interactive nature of the events.

past confrontations

Emphasizes the adversarial aspect of the encounters.

prior engagements

Suggests a more formal or planned nature of the interactions.

preceding incidents

Highlights that the encounters were events or happenings.

past dealings

Focuses on the transactional or business-related aspect of the interactions.

earlier experiences

Broader term, encompassing any kind of experience from before.

historic run-ins

Implies chance or unplanned meetings, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

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

You can use "previous encounters" to refer to past meetings or interactions, as in "Based on our "previous encounters", I believe we can reach an agreement".

What's a good alternative to "previous encounters"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "prior meetings", "earlier interactions", or "past dealings".

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

Both "prior encounters" and ""previous encounters"" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings, although ""previous encounters"" is more common.

What is the difference between "previous encounters" and "past experiences"?

"Previous encounters" specifically refers to past meetings or interactions, while "past experiences" is a broader term that includes anything you've undergone or witnessed.