previous era

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous era" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time period that came before the current one, often in historical or contextual discussions. Example: "The technological advancements we see today were unimaginable in the previous era."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Such leaks have happened before, in the previous era.

The Guardian

Scherr called it news "from a previous era".

The New York Times - Sports

In a previous era, he might have become a full-blown R. & B.

The New Yorker

Gareth Barry, one of the linchpins of the previous era, was not even on the bench.

The Guardian - Sport

Discos and fast-food chains proliferated, replacing much of the understated elegance of a previous era.

The New York Times

Foes of the Voting Rights Act argue that it is a relic of a previous era.

The New York Times

Planted by the C.I.A., they'd say; or, old viruses left over from a previous era.

The New York Times

Trends in comedy tend to be reactions to the previous era, he has noted.

The Guardian

So are you proposing that people embrace the values of a previous era?

The New York Times - Magazine

"In the previous era, there was a veto about who could appear on the screen.

Independent

Teams are more businesslike than in the previous era of the independents.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previous era", ensure the context clearly defines the specific time frame being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "the previous era of digital marketing".

Common error

Avoid using "previous era" when a more precise term like "Victorian era" or "the 1980s" would provide clearer context and enhance understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous era" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adjective and noun combination describing a period of time that precedes the current one. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, highlighting its broad applicability in discussing past times.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previous era" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to denote a time period preceding the present. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific discussions. While alternatives like "former period" and "past age" exist, "previous era" is a common and effective way to contextualize current circumstances by contrasting them with the past. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing sufficient context to specify the time frame being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

former period

This alternative uses a more general term for 'time' and 'past'.

previous epoch

This substitutes “era” with “epoch”, indicating a significant period in history.

past age

This uses 'age' to emphasize a longer duration and historical distance.

earlier epoch

Uses 'epoch' for a more formal and distinct period in history.

prior epoch

Synonymous with earlier epoch but 'prior' is slightly more formal.

bygone days

Emphasizes nostalgia or a sense of something lost from the past.

historical period

A more neutral and descriptive term for a time in the past.

preceding time

This uses "preceding" to emphasize the sequence of time.

olden times

Implies a more distant and often idealized past.

days of old

Evokes a sense of antiquity and tradition.

FAQs

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

You can use "previous era" to refer to a past time period, such as, "The social norms were very different in the "previous era"."

What are some alternatives to "previous era"?

Alternatives include "former period", "past age", or "bygone days", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "previous era" or "earlier era"?

"Previous era" and "earlier era" are largely interchangeable, but "previous era" is slightly more common in contemporary usage. The best choice depends on the flow and context of your writing.

What is the difference between "previous era" and "historical period"?

"Historical period" is a broader term that refers to any defined time in the past, while "previous era" typically implies a comparison to the current time. For instance, you might discuss "the historical period of the Roman Empire," but refer to "the "previous era" of globalization."