previous issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a matter or topic that was discussed or addressed in a prior context, such as in reports, articles, or conversations. Example: "In the previous issue of our newsletter, we covered the new policy changes that will affect all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

TRAVEL The Next Wave The previous issue asked what becomes a legend most.

The New York Times

A new issue is published only after all copies of the previous issue have been sold.

The New York Times

The first one, with DMX on the cover, had outsold any previous issue.

The New York Times

It's a neat move – Beckham senior was on the previous issue – but you wouldn't expect anything less.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She had seen the haunted house-styled confection before, she thought, in a previous issue of a Martha Stewart publication.

The New York Times

An article in a previous issue was headlined "JOHN MC CAIN: 'THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE.' " "Listen," Kerry said to me, sitting forward in his chair at his Washington home.

The New Yorker

Borders has had to move issues around the country after a first-day sell-out, saying that demand was 654percentnt up on the previous issue.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The result, in the patient's own words, was "positive and constructive … the complete opposite to my experience of making a formal complaint about a previous issue".

The Guardian

A previous issue included pieces from an actor who re-enacts wars and a man who hunts for the Loch Ness monster.

The New York Times

During one early editorial meeting at the City Paper, Carr walked in, sat down, and matter of factly explained that we'd embarrassed ourselves with the previous issue.

The New Yorker

In a previous issue you note that five of the past six IMF reform packages for Romania have lapsed unfulfilled ("Casualty of war", June 12th).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific section or article within the "previous issue", provide the relevant page number or article title for easier reference.

Common error

Avoid using "previous issue" when you actually mean "previous version" of a document or software. An "issue" typically refers to a publication, while a "version" refers to a stage in development or a specific form of something that evolves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as an adjective modifying another noun (e.g., "the previous issue's findings"). Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

54%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previous issue" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to an earlier edition of a publication. As Ludwig's analysis shows, it is used in both formal contexts like scientific articles and more informal contexts such as news media. When using the phrase, ensure you are indeed referring to a prior edition of a publication and not confusing it with other terms like "previous version". While synonyms such as "prior edition" and "earlier edition" exist, "previous issue" is widely understood and applicable in a variety of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior edition

Refers to an earlier version or printing of a publication; emphasizes the chronological order.

former edition

Refers to a past edition, especially when contrasting it with the current one.

earlier edition

Similar to "prior edition" but can also refer to a past version of something that is not necessarily a publication.

immediately preceding issue

Highlights that there were no intervening issues between the current and the one being referenced.

preceding number

Specifically refers to the immediately prior numbered edition of a periodical.

last issue

Informal way to refer to the most recent prior issue of a periodical.

the issue before

A more conversational way of indicating the immediately preceding issue.

penultimate issue

Refers to the issue immediately before the last one; more specific in identifying which issue.

aforementioned issue

Refers back to an issue already mentioned or discussed.

issue in question

Emphasizes that the previous issue is the subject of the current discussion.

FAQs

How to use "previous issue" in a sentence?

You can use "previous issue" to refer to an earlier edition of a publication, like in the sentence, "The findings contradict the results published in the "previous issue"."

What can I say instead of "previous issue"?

Alternatives include "prior edition", "earlier edition", or "last issue", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "prior issue" instead of "previous issue"?

Yes, "prior issue" is a synonym for "previous issue" and can be used interchangeably in many contexts.

What's the difference between "previous issue" and "following issue"?

"Previous issue" refers to an earlier edition, while "following issue" refers to a subsequent or future edition of a publication.