second previous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "second previous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that comes one before the last one, for example: "This is the second previous entry in the logbook."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A scattered referencing takes place using Ding's algorithm for the immediate previous and second previous frames.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Second, previous coups succeeded because they had significant civilian support.

The Washington Post

Second, previous studies on municipal credit rating modelling are analyzed.

Decision Support Systems

Second, previous social experience was important but could not explain the occurrence of predictors of conflict outcome.

Animal Behaviour

The second previous publication32 used part of this data set (N=40) to test the cross-study sensitivity and specificity of an fMRI-based brain marker for experimental pain.

Nature

Second, previous studies raised concerns that AID fusion can destabilize substrate proteins4, and we observed that fusing mAID to Venus or Venus-ANAPC4 partially altered the localization of the fusion protein.

Nature

Second, previous research indicates that spurious RTOs are not rare events in MWNs [7, 8].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Second, previous studies on the drying mechanism are mostly based on cases of divorce (Liu 2014) and deeply analyze the competing ethics between the two parties.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Furthermore, a second previous study on a Ni Cr-rich alloy iNi Cr-richhalloye quantindicatedsorbed H decreases withatncreasing pulse energy.

Advanced Structural and Chemical Imaging

Second, previous studies have considered only a single set of configurations, even though STDMA is often associated with MAC and PHY configurable parameters.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Second, previous findings suggest that the acetylation at the core domain plays synergistic roles with the acetylation at the C-terminus in activating p53-dependent transcription.

Protein & Cell

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific item in a sequence, ensure that the use of "second previous" is clear in relation to the current item being discussed. Provide context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "second previous" without clearly defining the sequence or context. It might be confusing if the reader doesn't know what timeline you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second previous" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to specify its position in a sequence. It indicates something that is two positions prior to the current reference point. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

96%

News & Media

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "second previous" is a grammatically sound way to refer to something located two steps before a current reference point in a sequence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it primarily functions as an adjective phrase, commonly found within formal scientific and academic writing. While alternatives like "antepenultimate" or "second from last" exist, "second previous" offers a straightforward means to describe temporal or sequential positioning, especially in technical discussions. When employing this phrase, clarity of context is crucial to prevent ambiguity. It's most frequently used in scientific literature, with occasional appearances in news media. In essence, it’s a precise tool for technical writing where clear sequencing is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two prior

This shortens the wording while retaining the meaning of 'second' and 'previous'.

second from last

This specifies a position relative to the end of a sequence.

the frame before last

This clarifies that the reference is to the frame immediately preceding the last one.

immediately before previous

This rephrases the query to emphasize direct succession before the previous item.

antepenultimate

This alternative describes the third item from the end, offering a more concise term for sequences.

preceding the prior

This alternative varies the wording while retaining the original meaning.

the one before the last

This provides a more descriptive, though lengthier, alternative.

two steps back

This alternative uses spatial metaphor to describe a movement backward in a sequence.

penultimate predecessor

This combines 'penultimate' (second to last) with 'predecessor' for emphasis on sequence.

two back

This uses simple language to indicate a position two steps behind.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The analysis considered data from the "second previous" quarter to identify trends."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "second previous"?

Alternatives include "antepenultimate", "second from last", or "two prior" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "second previous" or "second from last"?

Both "second previous" and "second from last" are correct, but the best choice depends on the context. "Second previous" emphasizes a temporal sequence, while "second from last" stresses position in a finite list.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "second previous"?

Use "second previous" when you need to refer to an item or event that occurred two steps before the current one in a chronological or logical sequence. In general try to define clearly what sequence are you referring to.