Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
prior term
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "prior term" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previous term or period, often in academic or contractual contexts. Example: "The results from the prior term will be compared to the current data to assess progress."
✓ Grammatically correct
Academia
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
42 human-written examples
To determine whether universal transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) cervical length (CL) screening is indicated in women with prior term births.
Click Continue to proceed to Step 3. Version: choose Prior Term, Draft, or Current for the Version option.
Academia
The deadline is roughly at the halfway point of the prior term and submitting requests by the deadline ensures that the final exam notation appears your students' schedules.
Mr. Feldman was swept into office for his one prior term In the Legislature in the last Democratic gubernatorial landslide, when former Gov, Richard J. Hughes defeated Senator Wayne Dumont, Republican of Warren, in 1965.
News & Media
The status of federal financial aid probation is assigned to students who were on academic warning in the prior term and continue to be placed on academic warning by CAP.
All agency leads filled with Republicans; all open seats filled upon expiry of prior term; current occupants depart when term expires; Fed Chair and Vice Chair resign at end of chairmanships.
Academia
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
16 human-written examples
Where I can find archived Rosters for prior terms?
Academia
Clear any registration holds connected to outstanding obligations from prior terms.
Before you submit your registration, you must clear any registration holds connected to outstanding obligations from prior terms.
Review the degree requirements with your department to confirm that you will have successfully completed them in prior terms or during your final term.
Indeed, Mr. Berlusconi said Tuesday that his prior terms as prime minister would allow him to hit the ground running, reducing some taxes, streamlining government bureaucracies and — most important — charting a financially viable future for the troubled national airline, Alitalia.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When referring to a specific academic or political period, use "prior term" to clearly indicate the term before the current one. For example, when discussing a politician's actions, "During his "prior term", he initiated several key policies."
Common error
Avoid confusing "prior term" (meaning the previous term) with "priority term" (meaning a term with higher importance). Always double-check your spelling to ensure clarity in your writing.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "prior term" primarily functions as a noun modifier, specifying a particular term in relation to the present or another referenced term. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. For example, "Students on federal financial aid probation are assigned to students who were on academic warning in the "prior term"."
Frequent in
Academia
40%
Science
35%
News & Media
25%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "prior term" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, predominantly found in academic, scientific, and news-related contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves to specify a previous term or period, aiding in comparison or reference. While alternatives like "previous term" or "earlier term" exist, "prior term" is generally preferred for its clarity and professional tone, especially in formal writing. Be mindful of distinguishing it from similar-sounding phrases like "priority term" to maintain precision in your communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
previous term
Replaces "prior" with "previous", offering a direct synonym with the same meaning.
earlier term
Similar to "previous term", but emphasizes the temporal sequence.
preceding term
More formal than "previous term", suitable for academic or official contexts.
last term
Specifies the immediately preceding term, implying a direct sequence.
the term before
A more descriptive alternative, clarifying the temporal relationship.
prior semester
More specific term, used when the term refers to a semester.
earlier academic period
Broader term encompassing any previous period of academic study.
the last academic session
Similar to "last term" but emphasizes the entire academic session.
former term
Indicates a term held in the past, without specifying the immediate previous one.
aforementioned term
Refers to a term previously mentioned in the text, emphasizing reference.
FAQs
How can I use "prior term" in a sentence?
You can use "prior term" to refer to a preceding academic session, as in "The student's performance in the "prior term" significantly impacted their eligibility for financial aid."
What is an alternative to saying "prior term"?
You can use alternatives like "previous term", "earlier term", or "last term" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "the term prior" instead of "prior term"?
While "the term prior" is understandable, "prior term" is the more common and grammatically standard phrasing.
What is the difference between "prior term" and "subsequent term"?
"Prior term" refers to the term that came before the current one, while "subsequent term" refers to the term that follows the current one.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested