previous procedure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous procedure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a method or process that was followed before the current one being discussed. Example: "Before implementing the new system, we need to review the previous procedure to identify any potential issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sampson describes the previous procedure for making complaints as "bewildering and very inefficient".

The Guardian - Money

Double click the server you set up in the previous procedure.

Cornell University

As in other countries, such as Kenya, the previous procedure had hampered anti-corruption campaigns.

The Economist

The pilot plant will provide necessary experimental evidence to validate the previous procedure.

Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification

We show the previous procedure does not produce any transportation tree in some situations.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

In an operation last week, the eighth since his stroke, surgeons reattached a piece of Mr Sharon's skull which had been removed in a previous procedure.

The Guardian

The Ministry of Justice may have to rerun a public consultation about reducing compensation payments for cancer patients after a judge ruled that the previous procedure was illegal.

The Guardian

Part of the reason he waited so long to have the surgery, Laich said, was because he wasn't sure it wasn't simply residual soreness from the previous procedure.

The Washington Post

The Pb-MOF ([Pb2(1,3,5-H3BTC)2(H2O)4]·H2O) was synthesized following the previous procedure reported by Sadeghzadeh with some modification31.

Nature

Click the arrow next to the Open Site Manager button, and then select the server you set up in the previous procedure.

Cornell University

The condition under which you can prove that there are classes of problems for which the previous procedure gives an exact solution to this problem.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "previous procedure", ensure the context clearly defines what that procedure was, either through direct reference or implication. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the point of comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "previous procedure" without providing enough context. Readers may not know what the "previous procedure" entails, leading to confusion. Always clarify or reference the specific procedure you're comparing against.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous procedure" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to a method or process that occurred before the current one. Ludwig AI shows its wide applicability across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previous procedure" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to a method or process used before the current one. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in science, news, and academic contexts, serving the purpose of comparison, contrast, or explanation. While the phrase is suitable for formal and neutral registers, it's essential to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "prior procedure" or "earlier procedure" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Therefore, while using the phrase "previous procedure", ensure clarity and context to effectively communicate your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

past procedure

Replaces "previous" with "past", maintaining the temporal reference to an earlier process.

prior procedure

Substitutes "previous" with "prior", emphasizing precedence in time or order.

earlier procedure

Uses "earlier" instead of "previous", highlighting that the process occurred at an earlier time.

preceding procedure

Replaces "previous" with "preceding", indicating the procedure that came immediately before.

former procedure

Employs "former" to denote a procedure used in the past but not currently in use.

previous method

Replaces "procedure" with "method", focusing on the way something was done.

previous process

Substitutes "procedure" with "process", emphasizing the series of actions or steps taken.

aforementioned procedure

Uses "aforementioned" to refer back to a procedure already mentioned or described.

above-mentioned procedure

Similar to "aforementioned", but uses a hyphenated form.

precedent procedure

Implies that the "previous procedure" serves as an example or basis for future actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "previous procedure" to contrast it with a new or current one. For example, "The new method is more efficient than the "previous procedure" because it automates several steps."

What's a good alternative to "previous procedure"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "past procedure", "prior procedure", or "earlier procedure".

When is it appropriate to use "previous procedure"?

It's appropriate when you need to refer to a method, process, or set of actions that was used before the one currently being discussed or implemented. It's especially useful in comparisons or when explaining changes.

Is there a difference between "previous procedure" and "former procedure"?

While similar, "former procedure" often implies the procedure is no longer in use or has been officially replaced, whereas "previous procedure" simply means it came before the current one without necessarily indicating obsolescence.