previous to this

USAGE SUMMARY

"previous to this" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
We can use it to refer to something that happened before a certain moment or point in time. For example: "We had discussed this topic in our last meeting, but previous to this, I had not considered the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - TV & Radio

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

Previous to this Ashes tour he has a very good record.

The Guardian - Sport

I spent a full 18 months previous to this, unsuccessfully, trying to find a suitable site.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the end of the evening, Grania reflects on a similar scene of fifteen years previous to this night.

The New Yorker

Previous to this time, medical preparations had varied in concentration and even in constituents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because the only other mass movement I'd witnessed previous to this in Ireland was the emigration of the young.

The Guardian

That was not a time when artists did editions, and my reputation previous to this was for carved wooden pieces.

The New York Times

"Generally we're in a much better place with the president than we were previous to this speech, a week ago, a month ago.

The Guardian

"I have been advised that the terror alert level in Queensland, particularly for our police, remains at high – as it was previous to this harrowing news," she said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previous to this", ensure that the context clearly establishes the 'this' being referred to. Ambiguity can arise if the reference point is unclear.

Common error

Avoid using "previous to this" in contexts where a simple past tense would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted. For example, instead of saying "Previous to this, I had worked in marketing", consider "Before this, I worked in marketing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous to this" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial. It modifies a verb or clause by indicating when something occurred in relation to a specific point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

19%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Opinion

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previous to this" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial, indicating a temporal relationship. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is widely accepted in written English. While versatile, it tends to appear more often in news articles and scientific publications, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. If informality is desired, consider alternatives like "before this". To avoid sounding too formal or stilted it's crucial to ensure clarity of the reference point for "this" and consider whether a simpler past tense would be more appropriate. The most authoritative sources that feature this expression are "The Guardian", "TechCrunch", "BBC", "Wikipedia", and "The New York Times".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prior to this

Replaces "previous" with "prior", maintaining a formal tone and nearly identical meaning.

Preceding this

A direct synonym, slightly more formal than "before this".

Before this

A more concise and slightly less formal alternative.

Earlier than this

Focuses specifically on the temporal aspect, indicating something happened at an earlier time.

Leading up to this

Implies a process or series of events that culminated in the current situation.

In advance of this

Emphasizes preparation or anticipation of the current event.

Up until this point

Highlights a transition or change occurring at the present moment.

Up to now

Indicates everything that has happened until the present moment.

Antedating this

A more formal and somewhat archaic synonym for 'preceding'.

Hitherto

An adverb meaning "until now" or "before this time".

FAQs

What does "previous to this" mean?

The phrase "previous to this" means before the present moment or the time or event currently being discussed. It indicates something that occurred earlier.

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

You can use "previous to this" to connect a past event to a present situation. For example, "The company faced financial difficulties; "previous to this", it had a strong record of growth".

Are "prior to this" and "previous to this" interchangeable?

Yes, "prior to this" and "previous to this" are largely interchangeable and share a similar level of formality. "Prior to this" is considered a direct synonym.

What are some alternatives to "previous to this" for more informal writing?

For less formal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives such as "before this", "earlier", or "until now". These options are more conversational and less likely to sound stilted.