previous examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous examples" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to instances or illustrations that have been mentioned earlier in a text or conversation. Example: "In the previous examples, we can see how different strategies yield varying results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

You've got five previous examples.

The New York Times

Previous examples included "corporate re-engineering" and "searching for excellence".

The Economist

We have previous examples to learn from, and our core competence is learning from the past.

The Guardian

Previous examples include the Stone Roses Second Comingg and Oasis's third LP Be Here Now.

The Guardian - Music

Indeed, the previous examples of teams selling naming rights mostly involved sports outside the mainstream.

The New York Times

The previous examples imply that one can register on such a website.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The previous example repeated with func=median.

Harvard University

For example, the previous example should be displayed like this.

Stanford University

As the previous example illustrates, in many cases there is little the league can do.

The New York Times - Sports

On to a case that is a lot stronger than the previous example.

The Guardian - Sport

The previous example will have enough juice to run several audio channels.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previous examples", ensure that the examples have indeed been explicitly mentioned earlier in the text to avoid confusing the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "previous examples" without actually providing or referencing the examples clearly. Always ensure the reader can easily identify what you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous examples" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a referential expression to indicate instances already cited within a text or discussion. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse domains, confirming its established role in directing attention to prior content.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

29%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previous examples" is a grammatically sound and very common noun phrase used to reference instances already discussed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's prevalent across diverse fields such as news, academia, and science, indicating its broad applicability. For clarity, ensure the referenced examples are clearly identifiable. When looking for alternatives, consider "earlier examples" or "past examples" depending on the context. Using "previous examples" effectively enhances coherence and supports arguments in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earlier examples

A simpler alternative, using "earlier" instead of "previous".

previous instances

This alternative uses "instances" instead of "examples", implying specific occurrences or cases.

prior examples

Another simpler alternative, using "prior" instead of "previous".

past examples

Using "past" instead of "previous" provides a slightly different temporal focus, emphasizing that the examples occurred in the past.

former examples

"Former" suggests that the examples are no longer current or relevant, adding a nuance of obsolescence.

previous cases

Replaces "examples" with "cases", suggesting a more formal or legal context.

previous illustrations

Substituting "illustrations" for "examples" suggests that the items are being used to clarify or demonstrate a point.

preceding examples

"Preceding" is a more formal way to say "previous", indicating that the examples came before the current one.

previous precedents

Replacing "examples" with "precedents" implies that the examples are setting a standard or guiding future actions.

exemplars mentioned earlier

This expands the phrase to explicitly state that the examples were mentioned before, adding clarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "previous examples" to refer back to instances or illustrations that have been mentioned earlier in a text or conversation. For example: "In the "previous examples", we can see how different strategies yield varying results."

What are some alternatives to "previous examples"?

Some alternatives include "past examples", "earlier examples", or "prior examples" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "previous examples" and "past examples"?

While both phrases are similar, "previous examples" emphasizes that the examples have been mentioned before in the current context, whereas "past examples" simply indicates that the examples occurred in the past, regardless of whether they've been mentioned already.

When is it appropriate to use "previous examples" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "previous examples" in formal writing whenever you need to refer back to instances or illustrations that have already been presented to support an argument, explain a concept, or provide context.