previous version

USAGE SUMMARY

"previous version" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the version of something that came before the current version, such as an earlier version of a software program. For example, "The previous version of our software had a lot of bugs, so we've completely rewritten it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's $10 cheaper than the previous version.

The New York Times

*Correction: A previous version of this post misattributed a quote.

The New Yorker

*A previous version of this post misstated Thordis Elva's nationality.

The New Yorker

The new Nest looks very similar to the previous version.

The Guardian - Tech

A previous version misspelled senior adviser Kevin Zeese's last name.

The Guardian

I bought it because I lost my previous version.

The Guardian - Sport

A previous version said it was based in Manchester.

The Guardian

*A previous version of this post misstated the firm's name.

The New Yorker

The previous version referred to her as Congressman Pingree.

The Guardian - Opinion

*A previous version of this post misidentified the Palace Noordeinde.

The New Yorker

A previous version of this article misstated Susan Mikula's age.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific version, include the version number or date for clarity. This helps readers understand exactly which "previous version" you are discussing.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience knows which "previous version" you're referring to. Always provide enough context, especially when multiple versions exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous version" functions as a noun phrase, where "previous" modifies the noun "version". It indicates a specific iteration that came before the current one. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previous version" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to an earlier iteration of something. Ludwig AI affirms its usability and correctness across a wide range of contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Science. When using "previous version", clarity is key; specifying the version number or date is advisable to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "earlier release" or "prior iteration" may be suitable depending on the context, as detailed in the related phrases section. By following best practices, you can effectively use "previous version" to communicate clearly and avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prior iteration

Replaces 'version' with 'iteration', which is often used in software development or design contexts.

Earlier release

Substitutes 'version' with 'release', common when referring to software or product launches.

Former edition

Uses 'edition' instead of 'version', often applicable to books or publications.

Original model

Replaces 'version' with 'model', appropriate when discussing products or prototypes.

Preceding form

Emphasizes the sequential aspect, indicating something that came directly before.

Initial build

Specifies a version of something which is constructed or assembled, like software.

Past variant

Highlights that it is a different form or type from the past.

Legacy version

This implies the previous version is outdated but still exists.

Superseded version

Indicates that the previous version has been officially replaced.

Outdated version

Emphasizes that the previous version is no longer current or supported.

FAQs

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

You can use "previous version" to compare features, highlight improvements, or explain changes between iterations. For example, "The new software update addresses bugs found in the "previous version"".

What are some alternatives to saying "previous version"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "earlier release", "prior iteration", or "former edition".

Is it always necessary to specify which "previous version" I'm talking about?

While not always mandatory, providing specifics enhances clarity. If there's potential for ambiguity, specify the version number or date. For example, "Compared to version 2.0, the "previous version", 1.0, lacked key security features".

What's the difference between "previous version" and "original version"?

"Previous version" refers to the version immediately preceding the current one. "Original version" refers to the very first version ever created.