prior connection with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prior connection with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a relationship that existed before a reference point in time. For example, "She had a prior connection with the charity before she agreed to join the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Does Brigitte have some prior connection with Robert?

The Guardian - Film

Rizzo, a longtime scout who played in the minors, had no prior connection with Johnson before he hired him, but needed a wise hand.

The New York Times - Sports

Mann had checked out the editor responsible for overseeing the papers, a Yale chemical engineer called James Saiers, and noted his "prior connection" with the same department at the University of Virginia, where sceptic Pat Michaels worked.

The Guardian

"An abuser is more often someone that a child knows or has some kind of prior connection with, so we must talk to children in terms of 'tricky people,' a term coined by Pattie Fitzgerald".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But the threads of the prior connections with Nokia and a high profile CEO do look like they have added up to a tidy and simple exit for the founders.

TechCrunch

As a civilian, I had no prior connections with the correctional system or law enforcement.

Huffington Post

Stoddart will be able to recruit investigators and staff to his team, but he will not be allowed to employ officers or former officers with any prior connection to the Hillsborough disaster.

The Guardian - Sport

Records show that Solidarity is run by Levent Ulusal, a civil engineer with a prior connection to Harmony: he was a school business manager until March 2009, when he joined Solidarity.

The New York Times

Mr Stoddart can recruit his own team but not any officers or former officers with any prior connection to the disaster or from West Midlands, South Yorkshire or Merseyside police forces.

BBC

These provisions allow the government to seize records without the owner's knowledge and conduct covert surveillance and wiretaps of people with no prior connection to terrorist organizations.

Huffington Post

Recently, several groups described the identification of mutations in human SCD patients in a gene with no prior connection to corneal dystrophies or cholesterol metabolism [8] [12].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prior connection with", clearly specify the nature and relevance of the connection to avoid ambiguity. Providing context helps the reader understand the significance of the past relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "prior connection with" without specifying the type or relevance of the connection. A vague reference can leave the reader wondering about its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior connection with" functions as a noun phrase acting as a modifier, typically describing a relationship or association that existed before a specific point in time. As Ludwig AI notes, this phrase is used to indicate a pre-existing link between entities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prior connection with" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signals a pre-existing relationship or association. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to establish context by pointing out a past link. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various writing styles. Its frequency is considered uncommon, with examples found across news media, scientific publications, and wikis. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify the nature and significance of the connection to your reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior acquaintance with

Highlights a pre-existing, often casual, relationship.

previous association with

Replaces "connection" with "association", emphasizing a formal or professional link.

previous contact with

Emphasizes a past communication or interaction.

earlier relationship with

Substitutes "connection" with "relationship", highlighting a personal bond.

longstanding relationship with

Stresses the duration of the relationship.

preexisting link with

Uses "link" instead of "connection", suggesting a more direct or causal relationship.

past involvement with

Emphasizes previous participation or engagement.

former affiliation with

Highlights a past formal association, often in a professional context.

historical ties with

Suggests a long-standing or deeply rooted connection.

bygone acquaintance with

Implies a less intense or significant past relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "prior connection with" in a sentence?

You can use "prior connection with" to indicate a relationship or association that existed before a specific event or time. For example, "The suspect had a prior connection with the victim's family."

What's a more formal way to say "prior connection with"?

A more formal alternative to "prior connection with" could be "previous association with" or "former affiliation with". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is there a difference between "prior connection with" and "prior relationship with"?

While similar, "prior connection with" can refer to a broader range of associations, while "prior relationship with" typically implies a more personal or involved link.

What phrases can I use instead of "prior connection with" to indicate a past link?

Alternatives include "preexisting link with", "past involvement with", or "historical ties with", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.