the earlier example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the earlier example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring back to a previously mentioned example in a discussion or text. Example: "In the earlier example, we demonstrated how to solve the equation step by step."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Let's go back to the earlier example.

The New York Times

This completes and complements the earlier example of McIntosh (J. Funct. Anal. 30 (1977) 264).

Journal of Functional Analysis

Like the sixty-four-year-old in the earlier example, the fast-food worker would surely "choose" to remain uninsured.

The New Yorker

This is not so, however, for infinite sets, as is illustrated with the set N in the earlier example.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As we observed in the earlier example, the addition of 1-phenyl-1-vinylboronic acid at 60 °C yields 71 as the major regioisomer.

Nature

As ever, there are lessons to be learnt from history and the Prime Minister would do well to "look again" at the earlier example of Kosovo.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The earlier examples take the form of small nude female figures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest example dates from 1547.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest example is Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-99).

The Guardian - Music

Tosa nikki is the earliest example of a literary diary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest example is a pair of Louis XIV gilded-bronze andirons.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve clarity, briefly recap the earlier example when you refer back to it, especially if it was discussed several paragraphs prior.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "the earlier example" without providing enough context. Readers may not recall the specifics, leading to confusion. Briefly summarize or rephrase the key points to ensure comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the earlier example" functions as an anaphoric reference, pointing back to a specific instance or illustration that has been previously mentioned within a text or conversation. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's commonly used to maintain coherence and avoid repetition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33.33%

News & Media

33.33%

Encyclopedias

8.33%

Less common in

Academia

8.33%

Wiki

8.33%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the earlier example" is a useful phrase for referencing previously mentioned instances to maintain coherence and avoid repetition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields such as science, news, and encyclopedias. When using "the earlier example", clarity is key; ensure your audience can easily identify the referenced example. To enhance readability, provide brief summaries or rephrasing of the example, especially when it was discussed several paragraphs prior. Varying your language with synonyms like "the previous example" or "the preceding case" can prevent overuse and make your writing more engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the previous instance

This alternative directly replaces 'earlier' with 'previous', maintaining the same temporal relationship but with a different adjective.

the preceding case

Replaces 'example' with 'case' and 'earlier' with 'preceding', altering both the specific noun and the temporal descriptor.

the aforementioned illustration

Uses a more formal tone with 'aforementioned' instead of 'earlier' and 'illustration' in place of 'example'.

the foregoing demonstration

Employs 'foregoing' and 'demonstration' to signify a prior point, changing the specific vocabulary to a more formal register.

the prior situation

Substitutes 'earlier' with 'prior' and 'example' with 'situation', indicating a context from a point in time before the current one.

as previously shown

Shifts the focus to the action of showing, using a verb phrase instead of a noun phrase to reference a prior instance.

in the context above

Focuses on spatial relation in the text instead of chronological, also a slight shift in tone.

returning to what I mentioned before

Uses a lengthier expression that explicitly states the act of returning to a prior point, creating a more conversational feel.

referring back to the idea of

Introduces an explicit verb ('referring') to signal the act of recalling a prior concept.

considering the points stated above

Emphasizes that the considerations are based on something that has already been detailed.

FAQs

How can I use "the earlier example" in a sentence?

You can use "the earlier example" to refer back to a previously mentioned instance, such as, "As demonstrated in "the earlier example", this approach yields better results."

What can I say instead of "the earlier example"?

Alternatives include "the previous example", "the preceding case", or "the aforementioned illustration", depending on the context and formality you intend to have.

Is it okay to use "the earlier example" multiple times in the same text?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "the earlier example" can make your writing repetitive. Consider varying your language by using synonyms or briefly summarizing the example again.

Which is correct, "the earlier example" or "the early example"?

"The earlier example" is used to refer back to an example that has already been introduced. "The early example" would refer to an example that occurred at the beginning or in the initial stages of something.