the preceding example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the preceding example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to an example that was mentioned earlier in the text. Example: "As demonstrated in the preceding example, the results indicate a significant improvement in performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

As in the preceding example, the complicated, overstuffed sentence makes it hard to see what goes with what.

The New York Times

In the preceding example, civil law is more likely to determine that the person who holds the right to possess during his life has a "usufructuary" (right-to-use) interest only not ownership.

Britannica

User of the CUL collections identifies and requests an image as in the preceding example, but would like to use it in connection with a non-scholarly product or activity, whether undertaken for profit or as part of a nonprofit organization (e.g., museum or government agency).

Columbia University

In the preceding example, the bonobo and chimpanzee split a million years ago, suggesting such species' life spans are, like those of the abundant and widespread marine species discussed above, on million-year timescales, at least in the absence of modern human actions that threaten them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The preceding example suggests the following theorem.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

In the preceding example, it might appear that a certain final end — getting to the lake — is governing deliberation.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

In each of the preceding examples, Officer Bloomberg could successfully argue that he did not impermissibly rely on race.

The New York Times

The preceding examples were constructed to be tutorial on the level of this (introductory) part of this book, specifically to complement the previous chapter with matlab implementations of the concepts discussed.

Stanford University

"Oblique aerial view of Berkeley Campus of University of California taken with Camouflage Detection film".(That is what they used to call color infrared). "Such photography is superior to any other for certain photo interpretation purposes as indicated by some of the preceding examples.

University of California, Berkeley

"Oblique aerial view of Berkeley Campus of University of California taken with Camouflage Detection film". (That is what they used to call color infrared). "Such photography is superior to any other for certain photo interpretation purposes as indicated by some of the preceding examples.

University of California, Berkeley

Look back at the preceding examples.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the preceding example", ensure the example is clearly and immediately identifiable to avoid reader confusion. If several examples are presented, specify which one you are referencing.

Common error

Avoid using "the preceding example" if there are multiple examples in close proximity. Instead, be specific by restating a key element of the example or numbering them for easy reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the preceding example" functions as a referential marker, directing the reader's attention to a previously mentioned instance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to connect ideas, ensuring clarity in writing. The use of "preceding" indicates a direct reference to the immediately prior example.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

Academia

25%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the preceding example" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to refer back to a previously mentioned instance. As validated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most commonly found in scientific and academic writing, although it also appears in news and media. To ensure clarity, writers should use this phrase judiciously, especially when multiple examples are present. Alternatives such as "the aforementioned case" or "the previous illustration" may be suitable depending on the specific context. Always ensure that the referenced example is easily identifiable to your audience to avoid confusion. Overall, "the preceding example" is a useful tool for enhancing coherence and providing contextual support in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the prior instance

Replaces "example" with "instance", suggesting a specific occurrence rather than a model case.

the case in point

Emphasizes the relevance of the previous case to the current discussion.

the aforementioned case

A more formal alternative, using "aforementioned" to indicate something previously discussed.

the instance cited above

More explicitly states that the example was cited earlier in the text.

the previous illustration

Substitutes "example" with "illustration", implying a visual or descriptive representation.

as demonstrated earlier

Focuses on the demonstration aspect of the example.

the above situation

Uses "situation" instead of "example", focusing on a specific set of circumstances.

in the prior discussion

Refers to the example as part of a broader discussion that occurred earlier.

the earlier scenario

Replaces "example" with "scenario", suggesting a hypothetical or imagined situation.

the foregoing explanation

Substitutes "example" with "explanation", emphasizing the explanatory nature of what was previously mentioned.

FAQs

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

Use "the preceding example" to refer back to a specific case or instance that you have already discussed. For instance, "As shown in "the preceding example", this method is highly effective."

What's an alternative to saying "the preceding example"?

You can use alternatives like "the aforementioned case", "the previous illustration", or "the earlier scenario" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the preceding example" or "the previous example"?

"The preceding example" and "the previous example" are largely interchangeable. "Preceding" is slightly more formal, while "previous" is more common in everyday language.

What does "the preceding example" mean?

"The preceding example" refers to a specific instance or case that has been mentioned earlier in the current text or discussion. It's used to draw attention back to that example for further analysis or comparison.