the preceding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the preceding" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to something that came before or earlier in a sequence or order. It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing a series of events, steps in a process, or items in a list. Example: The instructions for assembling the bookshelf are found in the preceding section of the manual.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

and incorporates answers to the preceding questions.

The New York Times

The preceding work is discussed, debated, dissected.

The Guardian - Film

The preceding material, however, was less impressive.

The Guardian - Music

On the preceding Wednesday, Frank Bruni had returned.

The New Yorker

The preceding chapters had been heavy.

The New Yorker

"It took the preceding 50 centuries to do that.

The New York Times

The preceding single Good Vibrations had been a mammoth hit.

The Guardian - Music

Honestly, how often do reviewers actually read the preceding novels?

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

*The preceding post is intended to be humorous.

TechCrunch

Let and be as the preceding lemma.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

The preceding domains influence a woman's health during pregnancy.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal and formal documents, "the preceding" adds a layer of formality and precision when referencing earlier clauses or sections.

Common error

Avoid using "the preceding" if it's not immediately obvious what you're referring to. Instead of saying "As mentioned in the preceding section…", specify the section by name or number to prevent confusion. Be precise and avoid vague references.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the preceding" functions as a determiner followed by an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate something that comes before in order or time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the preceding" is a versatile phrase used to reference something that comes before. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various sources, including news, science, and wiki content. While simpler alternatives like "the previous" exist, "the preceding" adds a touch of formality and precision, making it particularly suitable for academic or formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing sufficient context to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the previous

This is a direct synonym, offering a slightly more common and general alternative. The change consists in swapping the adjective.

the foregoing

This alternative is more formal and often used in legal or academic contexts. Foregoing focuses on something that has been mentioned or discussed earlier.

the prior

This is a shorter, more concise alternative, suitable for technical or formal writing. The change consists in swapping the adjective.

the antecedent

This alternative is often used in grammar or logic to refer to something that precedes and influences what follows. Antecedent focuses on what has affected the events.

the earlier

This is a more general alternative that can be used in a wider range of contexts. The change consists in swapping the adjective.

that which precedes

This is a more verbose and explanatory alternative, suitable for contexts where clarity is paramount. It uses the construction "that which".

the above

This alternative is often used when referring to something that has been written or displayed earlier on the same page or document. It has a shorter form.

the past

This option highlights that the action or element is over or finished. The change consists in swapping the adjective.

the former

This alternative is mainly used to contrasts two elements, and it directly points to the first one. It focuses on being opposite to "the latter".

aforementioned

This is a concise adjective that combines the meaning of "before" and "mentioned". It has a shorter form and can be easily added before a noun.

FAQs

How is "the preceding" used in formal writing?

In formal writing, "the preceding" is employed to precisely reference earlier statements, sections, or data within a document. It adds a layer of formality and ensures clarity by directly linking back to previously discussed material. For example, "As demonstrated in "the previous chapter", this phenomenon occurs frequently".

What is a simpler alternative to "the preceding"?

A simpler alternative to "the preceding" is "the previous". It conveys the same meaning but is less formal and more suitable for everyday language. For instance, instead of "Refer to the preceding paragraph", you can say "Refer to the previous paragraph".

Can I use "the preceding" to refer to something in the future?

No, "the preceding" is exclusively used to refer to something that has already occurred or been mentioned. To refer to something that will follow, use terms like "the following" or "the subsequent".

What is the difference between "the preceding" and "the aforementioned"?

"The preceding" refers to something that comes before in sequence or time, while "the aforementioned" refers specifically to something that has been previously mentioned. The term "the aforementioned" is used to make sure that the reader remembers a particular term or concept was defined previously.