previous to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used when referring to a point in time prior to another event. For example, "The documents were signed previous to the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Previous to the home, a workhouse occupied the site.

The Guardian

"Previous to that, they built cables for Marconi.

The Guardian

Previous to NME, Mike edited the independent music magazine Kruger.

The Guardian

Eventually, one reached not just a world previous to ours but a world previous to that, dominated by giant reptiles.

The New Yorker

Poincaré and Sazonoff previous to the outbreak of the war.

The New York Times

Previous to this, his estranged missus and young son had been knifed up, down and sideways.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Just previous to winding, the fork should be coated with the usual commercial "brown hard varnish".

The Guardian

Previous to this, Chad was chairman of the board and chief executive officer of DuPont.

The Guardian

The manual ordered, "All signs erected previous to this publication program should be removed".

The New Yorker

"We are previous to Franklin in our ability to go to Mars right now," said Hadfield.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Previous plans to sell the stake failed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previous to" when a formal tone is appropriate, such as in academic papers, legal documents, or business reports. In more casual writing, "before" may be preferable.

Common error

While "previous to" is grammatically correct, avoid using it in casual conversations or informal writing. "Before" is often a more natural and appropriate choice.

How to use

Learn how to use "previous to" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous to" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a temporal relationship. It introduces information about the time frame preceding a particular event or action, showing what occurred or existed beforehand. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previous to" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate a temporal relationship, specifically denoting what precedes a particular event. As verified by Ludwig, it is correct and commonly used. While versatile, it tends to be more suited to formal contexts like news reporting, scientific writing, and business communications, where a more elevated tone is preferred. In more casual settings, the simpler "before" often serves as a more natural alternative. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and TechCrunch underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before

A more common and less formal synonym.

prior to

A more formal and often interchangeable alternative.

earlier than

Directly compares the timing of two events.

ahead of

Indicates being earlier in time or position.

preceding

Emphasizes the act of coming before in a sequence.

leading up to

Implies a sequence of events culminating in a specific point.

in advance of

Highlights acting or preparing ahead of time.

antecedent to

A more formal and less common way of saying "before".

preliminary to

Suggests something that comes first as an introduction or preparation.

in anticipation of

Focuses on expecting or preparing for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "previous to" to indicate that something happened before something else. For example, "Previous to the storm, the sky was clear."

What's the difference between "previous to" and "prior to"?

The phrases "previous to" and "prior to" are often interchangeable, but "prior to" is generally considered more formal. In most contexts, they can be used with the same meaning.

What can I say instead of "previous to"?

You can use alternatives like "before", "earlier than", or "ahead of" depending on the context.

Is "previous to" more formal than "before"?

Yes, "previous to" is generally considered more formal than "before". Use "previous to" in formal writing and situations where a more elevated tone is appropriate.