prior arrangements

USAGE SUMMARY

"prior arrangements" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to plans or agreements made beforehand. For example: "We made prior arrangements to meet up at the cafe at 6pm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

No admittance except for members and their guests and those who have made prior arrangements".

The New York Times - Sports

This service is only available during regular mailroom hours, unless prior arrangements are made.

Columbia University

We suggest making prior arrangements and consulting with CS Advisors to ensure the course(s) you select is transferrable.

University of California, Berkeley

And while most of the archive material can be requested without an appointment, viewing some items, such as the paintings, require prior arrangements.

The Guardian

But, generally, it's easier to get around just about anywhere now, and easier to do it yourself, without guides and prior arrangements.

The New Yorker

Paulo Zucula, Mozambique's minister of transport and communications, said his country had not allowed the ship into its waters because it did not have "prior arrangements," Reuters reported.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Registration subject to prior arrangement.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(Casa Las Brisas allows children only by prior arrangement).

The New York Times - Travel

A three-course supper can be provided by prior arrangement.

The Guardian - Travel

News and Views are by prior arrangement only.

Nature

Registration subject to prior arrangement with appropriate faculty member.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When communicating important logistics, clearly articulate all details within your "prior arrangements" to prevent downstream confusion.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone is aware of the "prior arrangements". Always confirm that all relevant parties are informed to prevent misunderstandings or omissions. Make sure these details are clearly communicated in a timely manner.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior arrangements" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition or verb. It signifies plans or agreements made in advance, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prior arrangements" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies pre-planned agreements. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, notably in news, academia, and science. The phrase serves to inform or remind others of pre-existing plans, ensuring coordination and clarity. While the phrase maintains a neutral to professional register, it's crucial to communicate details clearly to prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance agreements

Emphasizes the agreement aspect, suggesting a formal understanding reached in advance.

prearranged plans

Highlights the planning aspect, suggesting a structured and deliberate arrangement made beforehand.

previous understandings

Focuses on mutual understanding, implying a shared knowledge or expectation established earlier.

earlier agreements

Similar to "advance agreements" but places more emphasis on the temporal aspect of the agreement.

pre-existing arrangements

Highlights that the arrangements were already in place, emphasizing their established nature.

advance planning

Highlights planning aspect, with a focus on actions taken in advance.

scheduled arrangements

Indicates arrangements that are part of a timetable or schedule.

preset plans

Suggests that the plans are fixed or unchangeable, having been determined beforehand.

earlier understandings

Focuses on a previously reached consensus or comprehension.

contingency plans

Highlights that the arrangements are for a specific event or scenario, acting as a backup or alternative.

FAQs

How to use "prior arrangements" in a sentence?

You can use "prior arrangements" to indicate that something was planned or agreed upon in advance. For example, "Due to "prior arrangements", I will be unable to attend the meeting".

What can I say instead of "prior arrangements"?

You can use alternatives like "advance agreements", "prearranged plans", or "previous understandings" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "prior arrangements" or "previous arrangements"?

"Prior arrangements" and "previous arrangements" are similar and often interchangeable. "Prior" emphasizes the planning stage, while "previous" emphasizes the time aspect. Choose based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "prior arrangements" and "contingency plans"?

"Prior arrangements" generally refer to any plans made in advance, while "contingency plans" specifically refer to backup plans in case something goes wrong. Contingency plans are a specific type of prior arrangements.