previous meetings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous meetings" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to meetings that have occurred before the current time or context being discussed. Example: "During our discussion, we will review the outcomes of the previous meetings to ensure we are aligned on our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Hewitt has won three of their four previous meetings.

The Guardian - Sport

(At the previous meetings, they had a harpist).

The New Yorker

Henman had lost to Sampras in their six previous meetings.

The New York Times - Sports

They both hold 4-4 records in the previous meetings.

The New York Times

So what can be learned from the previous meetings?

The Guardian

Four previous meetings this season netted Philadelphia four victories.

The New York Times - Sports

They had split their 22 previous meetings before Friday's game.

The New York Times - Sports

They have split their two previous meetings at Wimbledon.

The New York Times

4 Times Federer had beaten Tsonga in previous meetings.

Independent

They defeated the Flyers in three previous meetings this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Previous meetings had resulted in sales of American food products to Cuba.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing meeting minutes, you can reference to action items that were discussed in the "previous meetings" section.

Common error

Avoid using "previous meetings" without providing sufficient context. Readers may not understand which meetings are being referenced, leading to confusion. Always provide enough information to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous meetings" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples show it specifying earlier gatherings in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previous meetings" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to gatherings that have occurred before the present time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts, it serves to provide context and build upon discussions, it has neutral register but it can be formal. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying which meetings are being referenced. Alternatives include "earlier gatherings" and "prior sessions". Overall, "previous meetings" is a reliable and effective way to refer to past discussions, as long as sufficient context is provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior sessions

Substitutes "meetings" with "sessions", implying a more structured or formal context.

earlier gatherings

Replaces "meetings" with a more general term, suggesting a less formal setting.

earlier consultations

Implies that the "previous meetings" were more formal, and were focused on obtaining feedback or expert advice.

past conferences

Uses "conferences" instead of "meetings", specifying a larger and more formal event.

preceding assemblies

Replaces both "previous" and "meetings" with more formal synonyms.

concluded summits

Replaces "meetings" with "summits", suggesting high-level diplomatic gatherings.

bygone discussions

Uses "discussions" instead of "meetings", focusing on the conversational aspect.

historical synods

Employs "synods", suggesting religious or official assemblies in the past.

aforementioned encounters

Uses "encounters" instead of "meetings", implying brief or chance meetings.

old conventions

Suggests recurring formal meetings focused on specific topics.

FAQs

How do I reference the meeting before this one?

You can use phrases like "the "last meeting"", "our "previous session"", or "the "prior consultation"" depending on the formality and context.

What's the difference between "previous meetings" and "earlier meetings"?

Both "previous meetings" and "earlier meetings" refer to meetings that have already occurred. "Earlier meetings" might suggest a slightly more distant past than "previous meetings" but the terms are largely interchangeable.

When should I use "prior meetings" instead of "previous meetings"?

"Prior meetings" is a slightly more formal alternative to "previous meetings". Both are correct, but "prior meetings" may be preferred in more professional or academic contexts.

Is it redundant to say "past previous meetings"?

Yes, using "past previous meetings" is redundant. "Previous" already implies that the meetings occurred in the past, so "past" is unnecessary. Stick to either "previous meetings" or "past meetings".