set a new precedent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set a new precedent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or decisions that establish a new standard or example for future situations. Example: "The court's ruling in this case has set a new precedent for how similar cases will be handled in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Binance has set a new precedent for doing things, and is continuing to innovate with news of their decentralized exchange coming soon.

Forbes

The Great Exhibition set a new precedent by inviting other nations to participate too.

The New York Times - Arts

"It feels like there's still an open opportunity to set a new precedent for social search," Ms. Etlinger said.

The New York Times - Tech

Generally, this approach is impractical — which is why I suspect the conservatives did not want to set a new precedent.

The Washington Post

Some would disagree, arguing that the vote in parliament before the invasion of Iraq set a new precedent.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the first president ever to visit a federal prison, Obama set a new precedent and altered the dialogue and philosophies around the criminal justice system, Alcantara said.

Columbia University

But the cash-poor city has crafted a less expensive and potentially far more beneficial scheme, which may set a new precedent for urban stormwater management.

The Economist

For a nation that has had no place for a president's wife on a public stage, Peng's hosting of Obama could set a new precedent.

The Washington Post

"So the next time a presidential candidate comes by here, tell them that Jeb has set a new precedent," he said.

The Washington Post

Presumably Anley hopes this will set a new precedent in the way the library is treated (it shut for five years after a nasty arson attack in 2004).

The Guardian - Film

Members of the United States men's hockey team set a new precedent for embarrassing episodes when they ransacked their Olympic housing at the 1998 Nagano Games.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly articulate the implications of setting a new precedent. This involves explaining how future actions or decisions should be influenced or judged based on this established standard. For instance, in legal settings, explicitly state how the ruling changes future case interpretations.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "setting a new precedent". Not all novel actions have far-reaching consequences. Ensure that the situation truly establishes a standard with broad implications, rather than just a minor deviation from existing practices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a new precedent" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of establishing a new standard, rule, or practice that will influence future decisions or actions. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set a new precedent" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that signifies the establishment of a new standard or practice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Its primary function is to denote innovation and influence future actions or decisions. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it commonly appears in news, academic, and business contexts. Related phrases include "establish a new standard" and "create a new benchmark". When employing this phrase, it's crucial to emphasize the novelty and impact of the action without exaggeration. The most authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times and The Washington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Establish a new standard

Focuses on the act of creating a new norm.

Create a new benchmark

Emphasizes setting a point of reference for future evaluations.

Pioneer a new approach

Highlights being the first to implement a novel method.

Break new ground

Implies venturing into uncharted territory.

Forge a new path

Suggests creating a new direction or method where none existed before.

Introduce a novel practice

Focuses on bringing a new custom or method into use.

Lay the foundation for a change

Highlights establishing the groundwork for future developments.

Originate a new custom

Emphasizes being the source of a new tradition.

Usher in a new era

Suggests initiating a significant period of change.

Devise a new scheme

Focuses on creating a new plan or strategy.

FAQs

How to use "set a new precedent" in a sentence?

Use "set a new precedent" to describe a situation where an action or decision establishes a new standard or approach that will influence future similar situations. For instance: "The court's ruling in this case has "set a new precedent" for how similar cases will be handled in the future."

What can I say instead of "set a new precedent"?

You can use alternatives like "establish a new standard", "create a new benchmark", or "pioneer a new approach" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "set a new precedent" and "follow precedent"?

"Set a new precedent" means to establish a new standard or rule for future similar situations, while "follow precedent" means to adhere to previously established standards or rules. They are essentially opposites; one creates a new path, and the other follows an existing one.

Is "set a precedent" formal or informal language?

"Set a precedent" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the specific situation than on the phrase itself. It can be used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.