previous to ending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous to ending" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used to refer to something that occurred before a conclusion or termination. Example: "Previous to ending the meeting, we discussed the next steps for the project."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is concern that Obama's previous commitments to ending US engagement in Afghanistan and Iraq has clouded his judgement and made him appear impotent to the growing threat emanating from Syria and Iraq.

Independent

"That makes me very proud," he said after coming closer than any previous gymnast to ending Uchimura's hold over the event.

BBC

Previous drives to end graft have proven unsuccessful.

The New York Times

All previous efforts to end the bloodshed have failed.

The Economist

Four previous attempts to end the war have failed.

The Economist

The president has been in favor of previous efforts to end the law.

The New York Times

The talks in Doha, Qatar, lasted much longer than planned and longer than any previous attempt to end the Afghan conflict.

The Guardian

North Korea withdrew from the treaty and expelled inspectors in 2002, after the United States accused it of violating a previous agreement to end its nuclear program.

The New York Times

Previous campaigns to end FGM, which is upheld by conservative and religious groups but technically illegal under the constitution, have proved futile.

The Guardian

With preliminary agreements on three of five points, the negotiations have gone further than all previous efforts to end the conflict.

The Economist

Previous deals to end one of the world's longest-running civil wars, including an agreement signed nearly three years ago, collapsed in part because of resistance from members of the Indonesian military, who were determined to end the conflict by force.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "prior to ending" may be preferred over "previous to ending" due to its slightly more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using phrases like "previous to ending" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives unless a specific nuance is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous to ending" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the timing of an event or action in relation to the conclusion of another event. Ludwig AI suggests that this construction is acceptable, although there might be more common alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically acceptable, the phrase "previous to ending" is a less common and somewhat awkward way to express the idea of something happening before a conclusion. Ludwig AI identifies that the phrase is acceptable, but alternatives like "before ending" or "prior to ending" are generally preferred for their simplicity and clarity. When aiming for a more formal tone, "prior to ending" might be suitable. Consider the context and audience when choosing the most appropriate phrase. Its use is relatively rare, appearing most often in News & Media and Scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to ending

More formal alternative using 'prior' instead of 'previous'.

before ending

Simpler and more common alternative.

preceding the end

More formal and emphasizes the sequence.

leading up to the end

Describes the period immediately before the conclusion.

before the termination

Uses a more formal term for 'ending'.

in anticipation of ending

Suggests an expectation or preparation for the ending.

in the period before ending

More descriptive, specifying a time period.

in advance of ending

Highlights the action taken before the ending.

until the end

Indicates continuation up to the point of ending.

in preparation for the end

Focuses on preparing for what comes next, not just the time before the ending.

FAQs

What does "previous to ending" mean?

The phrase "previous to ending" means before the conclusion or termination of something. It indicates a time relationship.

What can I say instead of "previous to ending"?

You can use alternatives like "before ending", "prior to ending", or "leading up to the end" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "previous to ending" or "before ending"?

"Before ending" is generally more common and sounds less formal than "previous to ending". Use "previous to ending" when a more formal tone is desired.

What is the difference between "previous to ending" and "prior to ending"?

The phrases "previous to ending" and "prior to ending" are very similar in meaning. "Prior to ending" is slightly more formal and commonly used in formal writing.