previous time

USAGE SUMMARY

"previous time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a point in the past, either a specific event or more generally. For example, "We discussed this topic in our previous time together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Previous time points were discarded.

Nature

The previous time I visited was as a student.

The Times

The only previous time was after 9/11.

The Washington Post

It requires little storage of data from previous time levels.

Journal of Computational Physics

However, he doubts he will beat his previous time.

Independent

If that was "austere" consider the previous time London was host.

The Guardian - Opinion

Much in the film seems to come from a previous time.

The Guardian

Kirkland's best previous time was 12.63 seconds, but she obliterated that to finish in 12.42.

The New York Times - Sports

The previous time I talked to her, she still had not read "Black Elk Speaks".

The New Yorker

GM: Each time I go to Antarctica is different from the previous time.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

An 18 h timepoint was selected based on previous time-curve experiments (data not shown).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previous time" to clearly indicate a reference to a prior moment or event, ensuring context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'before', specify "previous time" if referring to a specific instance.

Common error

Avoid using "previous time" when you mean "at the time". "Previous time" refers to an earlier instance, while "at the time" refers to a specific point during a particular event. For instance, instead of saying 'I was busy in the previous time', say 'I was busy at the time'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous time" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically referring to a point or instance that occurred earlier. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

26%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previous time" is a versatile phrase used to refer to an earlier instance or moment. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. With primary usage spanning across News & Media, Science and Wiki contexts, the phrase is suitable for diverse communicative purposes, providing clear temporal context. When using "previous time", ensure it distinctly refers to a prior moment and isn't confused with similar phrases like "at the time" or "last time". Consider alternatives like "prior occasion" or "earlier instance", depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior occasion

Focuses on a specific instance in the past rather than a general period.

earlier instance

Emphasizes a particular event that happened before.

past occurrence

Highlights the event having already taken place.

previous instance

Similar to 'prior occasion', but with a slightly more formal tone.

former period

Refers to a defined duration in the past.

bygone era

Suggests a more distant and qualitatively distinct time in the past.

days gone by

Evokes a nostalgic sense of a past time.

olden days

Implies a time far in the past, often with a sense of history or tradition.

times past

A more poetic and less common way to refer to the past.

in days of yore

A very archaic way to refer to the distant past.

FAQs

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

"Previous time" is used to refer to an earlier moment or event. For example, "The "previous time" we met, we discussed the project budget".

What's a good substitute for "previous time"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "previous time" include "prior occasion", "earlier instance", or "past occurrence".

Is it correct to say "the time previous" instead of "previous time"?

While understandable, "previous time" is the more common and grammatically standard phrasing. "The time previous" sounds less natural and is rarely used.

What's the difference between "previous time" and "last time"?

"Previous time" refers to any earlier instance, while "last time" refers specifically to the most recent occurrence. For example, "I saw him the "previous time" at the library", versus "I spoke to him "last time" on Tuesday".