previous to that date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous to that date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time or event that occurred before a specific date mentioned in the context. Example: "The report was finalized previous to that date, ensuring all data was accurate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Letters written by him a few days previous to that date were couched in language of cheerful anticipation of success, while those received from his officers expressed their admiration of the seamanlike qualities of their commander, and the happiness they had in serving under him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski have "previous" that dates back to Talladega last spring.

The Guardian - Sport

In some instances, Salvadori re-used lectures from previous years, or merged lectures from several previous dates, so that dates marked on the initial pages of lectures do not necessarily correspond to the dates on which the lectures were given.

Columbia University

It also counts reports that date back to previous generations.

The New York Times

This report contains information in livestock imports from Mexico to Texas, with totals for the current report and comparisons to the previous report, current year to date, and previous year to date.

Cornell University

This release summarizes livestock exports by species from California to Mexico for the current week, previous week, current year to date, and previous year to date.

Cornell University

This report contains information on Mexico to U.S. feeder and slaughter cattle imports for the current week, with comparisons to the previous week, current year-to-date, and previous year-to-date.

Cornell University

All previous models to date have used a deterministic approach to analyse the oscillatory behaviour.

BMC Systems Biology

Previous models to date have not studied these responses of the mammalian system specifically.

Duke University

The 2007 US change was part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005; previously, from 1987 through 2006, the start and end dates were the first Sunday in April and the last Sunday in October, and Congress retains the right to go back to the previous dates now that an energy-consumption study has been done.

Wikipedia

A previous study estimates that, to date, about 7% of the Canadian population has been vaccinated under this programme (which also vaccinates travelers to endemic countries) (Bauch et al, unpublished data).

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previous to that date", ensure the context clearly establishes the 'that date' to avoid ambiguity. This phrase is best suited for formal writing where precision is valued.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "previous to that date" can sound stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "before that date" or "earlier" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous to that date" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying a time frame preceding a particular date. Ludwig examples show its use in formal writing and historical contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

20%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previous to that date" serves as a prepositional phrase to indicate a time before a specific date. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for formal contexts, though it is less common in informal settings. Alternatives such as "prior to that date" or "before that date" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. While accurate, remember that using simpler alternatives can enhance clarity and conciseness. Ludwig AI highlights its function in specifying temporal boundaries in professional documents and historical accounts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to that date

Replaces "previous" with "prior", maintaining a formal tone.

before that date

A more common and straightforward alternative, slightly less formal.

preceding that date

A more formal synonym for "before" or "prior to".

earlier than that date

Simply indicates an earlier point in time, less formal.

leading up to that date

Focuses on the period immediately before the specified date.

in advance of that date

Highlights the preparatory aspect of actions taken earlier.

at an earlier date

General reference to a time before the one specified.

up until that date

Emphasizes the duration of time leading to the date.

sometime before that date

Indicates an unspecified time before the date.

antedating that date

A more technical or legalistic term.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "previous to that date"?

You can use alternatives like "prior to that date", "before that date", or "earlier than that date" depending on the context.

Is "previous to that date" formal or informal?

"Previous to that date" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In less formal contexts, simpler alternatives like "before that date" or "earlier" may be more appropriate.

How do I use "previous to that date" in a sentence?

Use "previous to that date" to indicate that something occurred before a specific, already mentioned date. For example: "All documents submitted previous to that date will be considered."

Which is correct, "previous to that date" or "prior to that date"?

Both "previous to that date" and "prior to that date" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, although "prior to that date" is often perceived as slightly more formal.