previous month

USAGE SUMMARY

"previous month" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the month before the current month. For example, "Sales figures for the previous month were significantly higher than the current month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prices dropped 0.9 percent in February from the previous month.

The New York Times

And the previous month?

The Guardian

Import growth slowed from the previous month.

The Economist

He had moved there the previous month.

The New Yorker

Doctors detected her condition the previous month.

The Guardian

The figure was 94.3% the previous month.

The Guardian

This is a duplicate invoice from the previous month.

Cornell University

"In January, we grew 40percentt over the previous month".

The New York Times

He deplored the Hamas victory in Gaza the previous month.

The Guardian - Books

(During the previous month, the stock price had doubled).

The New Yorker

From the previous month, production gained 6.6percentt, seasonally adjusted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing data across time, clearly specify the timeframes. For example: "Sales increased 10% compared to the "previous month".

Common error

Avoid using "previous month" interchangeably with terms like "last month" without considering the context. "Last month" is generally understood as the immediately preceding month, while "previous month" could refer to a month further in the past depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous month" functions as an adjectival modifier specifying a particular month in relation to the current one. Ludwig demonstrates its usage across a variety of contexts. For example, it clarifies a point of reference in time, similar to how "last week" or "next year" would function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previous month" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote the month preceding the current one. Ludwig shows that the phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While "last month" is a close synonym, "previous month" allows for slightly more flexibility depending on the context. According to Ludwig, its function is to establish temporal context, compare data, and accurately report on events that occurred in the prior month. Using it with clear comparisons enhances understanding, and avoiding interchangeable use with "last month" ensures accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last month

This is the most direct and common synonym.

the month before

This phrase offers a slightly more descriptive alternative.

preceding month

A more formal way to refer to the month before.

prior month

A concise and slightly formal alternative.

the month earlier

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the temporal aspect.

earlier month

More informal, focusing on the time aspect.

the month that just passed

More descriptive and less frequently used.

month gone by

Slightly poetic or old-fashioned.

the month in review

Suitable when summarizing or reflecting on the period.

penultimate month

Uncommon, implies the second to last month in a known series.

FAQs

How do I use "previous month" in a sentence?

You can use "previous month" to refer to the month that came before the current one. For example: "Our profits were higher than the "last month"."/

What can I say instead of "previous month"?

You can use alternatives such as "last month", "the month before", or "preceding month" depending on the formality and context.

Is there a difference between "previous month" and "last month"?

While often used interchangeably, "last month" typically refers to the month immediately before the current one. "Previous month" can sometimes refer to a month further back in the past, but this is less common. Clarity is key to avoiding ambiguity.

Which is correct: "previous month" or "the previous month"?

Both "previous month" and "the previous month" are correct and commonly used. The inclusion of "the" often adds a slight emphasis or definiteness, but the meaning remains essentially the same.