previous tenure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous tenure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a prior period of holding a position or job, often in a professional context. Example: "During my previous tenure at the company, I successfully led several projects that increased efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

During his previous tenure, Benjamin Netanyahu failed to deliver.

The New York Times

The university was coeducational during Mr. Khan's previous tenure.

The New York Times

During a previous tenure in office, Vázquez passed tough anti-tobacco legislation.

The Guardian

However it happened, Belichick was Jets coach for a day -- shorter than his previous tenure.

The New York Times - Sports

Heyward harbored acutely unhappy memories of Bratton's previous tenure, from 1994 to 1996, and nothing since had altered his opinion.

The New Yorker

During Mr. Shirzai's previous tenure as governor, from 1992 to 1994, Kandahar was divided among seven commanders, including Mr. Shirzai.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The years away, he said, gave Dan a rare opportunity to reflect on and learn from his previous tenures, planning for his next role.

The New York Times - Sports

He was never able to duplicate the success he had in his one season with the Rangers or in his previous tenures with Philadelphia and Chicago, two teams he took to the Stanley Cup finals.

The New York Times - Sports

The variable previous hospital tenure is a time-dependent covariate that indicates the total tenure at the previous hospital for each year in the present hospital.

BMC Medical Education

Kiffin's previous U.S.C. tenure, when he climbed from graduate assistant to offensive coordinator, was marked by his ability to recruit and coach on the teams that won at least a share of two straight national championships.

The New York Times - Sports

That's because Vermeil, 19 years removed from the week that has come to define the discipline-driven excesses of his previous coaching tenure, is still trying to figure out ways to make the Super Bowl more like a regular-season game.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, ensure the context clarifies what position the "previous tenure" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example: "During her previous tenure as CEO..."

Common error

Avoid using "previous tenure" when referring to the current or most recent position held. "Current tenure" or simply "tenure" is more appropriate for the present time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous tenure" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a specific period in the past when someone held a position or office. As Ludwig AI shows, it's commonly used to contrast past experiences with current roles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previous tenure" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term to describe a past period in a specific role or position. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it functions as a noun phrase, often used to provide background or compare past and present situations. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts and holds a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the role being referenced and avoiding confusion with the current or most recent position. Consider alternatives like "prior term" or "former incumbency" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior term

Replaces "tenure" with "term", emphasizing a specific period of service with defined limits.

former incumbency

Uses "incumbency" to highlight the holding of an office, suggesting a more formal context.

past appointment

Employs "appointment" to emphasize a specific assignment or role held previously.

previous role

Substitutes "tenure" with the simpler "role", suitable for less formal situations.

earlier assignment

Uses "assignment" to highlight a specific task or project from the past.

prior service

Replaces "tenure" with "service", emphasizing the act of serving in a position.

previous period of employment

More descriptive and formal, clarifying that "previous" refers to a past job.

past posting

Emphasizes a specific location or station where someone was previously assigned.

earlier stint

Uses "stint" to indicate a limited or defined period of time in a role.

previous position

A general term that can refer to any job held in the past.

FAQs

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

You can use "previous tenure" to refer to a past period of holding a position, like in the sentence: "During his "previous tenure" as governor, he implemented significant policy changes."

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

Alternatives include "prior term", "former incumbency", or "past appointment", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "past tenure" instead of "previous tenure"?

While "past tenure" is understandable, ""previous tenure"" is more common and grammatically standard when referring to a specific, earlier period.

What's the difference between "previous tenure" and "previous position"?

"Previous tenure" specifically refers to the time spent holding a particular office or job, while "previous position" is a more general term that can refer to any job held in the past.