prior claims

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prior claims" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to claims or rights that were made or established before a certain point in time. Example: "Before proceeding with the new contract, we must address any prior claims that may affect the agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The agency had no policy to warn them that there were prior claims on the money.

The New York Times

Oh, that rose has prior claims – Needs its leaden vase filled brimming?

The Guardian - Books

His prior claims to fame include a stint on the reality show "Real World Boston".

The New York Times

Oh, that rose has prior claims— Needs its leaden vase filled brimming?

Encyclopedia Britannica

People and small businesses with experience-based health insurance policies have their premiums (and their very insurability) based on prior claims.

The New York Times - Science

Invented, or at least formalised (the Dutch raise prior claims) on Canada's frozen ponds over a century ago, it is now deep-rooted in the national identity.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Who has the prior claim now?

The New York Times

Secured bondholders have prior claim on the firm's assets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That remains to be seen, but Minogue is alleging prior claim.

The Guardian - Music

But there are so many other things which should have a prior claim on politicians' attention.

The Economist

Partner Stuart Crook says: "If you rush in, you may precipitate action by larger creditors who have a prior claim.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or financial matters, use "prior claims" to clearly indicate that certain claims or rights take precedence over others due to their establishment at an earlier time.

Common error

Avoid using "priority claims" when you mean "prior claims". "Priority claims" refers to claims that are of utmost importance, while "prior claims" denotes claims established earlier in time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior claims" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to entitlements or demands that have precedence due to their earlier establishment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prior claims" is a common noun phrase used to denote entitlements or demands that take precedence due to their earlier establishment. Ludwig AI validates this phrase as grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. The phrase's usage tends towards neutral to formal registers, emphasizing its role in clarifying rights and precedence in legal, financial, or historical discussions. When writing, remember that "prior claims" indicates chronological precedence, differing from "priority claims", which refers to claims of utmost importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous claims

Replaces "prior" with "previous", indicating claims made in the immediate past.

earlier claims

Substitutes "prior" with "earlier", emphasizing the chronological aspect of the claims.

preexisting claims

Uses "preexisting" to highlight that the claims were in place before a specific event or time.

senior claims

Employs "senior" to suggest that the claims have a higher rank or importance.

superior claims

Replaces "prior" with "superior", focusing on the higher validity or strength of the claims.

earlier entitlements

Changes "claims" to "entitlements", emphasizing the legal right to something, while "earlier" replaces "prior".

precedent demands

Uses "precedent" to indicate that demands are based on previous events or actions, which set a standard or guide future conduct.

outstanding liens

Replaces "claims" with "liens", referring specifically to legal claims against assets, with "outstanding" implying they are unresolved.

incumbent rights

Substitutes "claims" with "rights", underscoring the legal basis of the precedence, while "incumbent" implies current or existing.

vested interests

Uses "vested interests" to signify established and protected rights or benefits, implying a strong position of precedence.

FAQs

How can I use "prior claims" in a sentence?

You can use "prior claims" to indicate that some claims or rights take precedence over others due to being established earlier. For example: "Before proceeding with the new contract, we must address any "prior claims" that may affect the agreement."

What's the difference between "prior claims" and "previous claims"?

While both "prior claims" and "previous claims" are very similar, "prior" often implies a more formal or legal precedence, while "previous" is a more general term for something that came before.

What can I say instead of "prior claims"?

You can use alternatives like "earlier claims" or "preexisting claims" depending on the context.

Is "prior claims" the same as "priority claims"?

No, "prior claims" and "priority claims" have different meanings. "Prior claims" refers to claims that were established earlier, whereas "priority claims" refers to claims that have the highest importance or rank.