the preceding one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the preceding one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to something mentioned earlier in the text, such as a statement, idea, or item. Example: "In the previous section, we discussed the importance of data analysis; the preceding one highlighted the need for accurate data collection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We must select the patch that matches the best with the preceding one, depending on a given visual feature.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Where Twitter seems to stabilize by removing features, Friendfeed is gaining rapidly by carefully adding features that each in turn build on the preceding one.

TechCrunch

Each model builds on the preceding one by adding new dN/dS classes.

BMC Plant Biology

I pile my next meal or snack right on top of the preceding one with no break in between.

Huffington Post

Again, the build platform is lowered and the next layer printed on top of the preceding one until the item is complete.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

He cites the gluing process as being more stressful that cutting: "Each layer has to be placed with perfect precision on top of the preceding one.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Mr. Hofsiss maintains a pace that keeps the narrative moving -- each new scene rushing in on the heels of the preceding one -- and gives little time for contemplation.

The New York Times

The waves of the next high tide will not reach them, because for a time after the full of the moon each tide will halt its advance a little lower on the beach than the preceding one.

The New Yorker

Proof of Theorem 1.2 We omit the proof which depends on Lemma 2.2 and is similar to the preceding one.

Boundary Value Problems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Kevin Pietersen has been left out of the England squads for both the World Twenty20 and the preceding one-day series against South Africa.

BBC

When added to a lawn and garden package valued at $1,345 won in the preceding one-bid, Dutkiewicz won a total of $51,832 in prizes.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the preceding one", ensure it's clear what you're referring to. If ambiguity exists, rephrase for clarity. For instance, if you've discussed several items, be specific about which one you mean.

Common error

Avoid using "the preceding one" if the reader might not immediately understand what you're referring to. Providing more context or rephrasing with a more specific noun can prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the preceding one" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically acting as a noun phrase that refers to an entity previously mentioned or understood in the context. It points back to a specific item, idea, or element in a sequence. Ludwig's examples clearly demonstrate its use in various contexts to maintain coherence and avoid repetition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the preceding one" is a versatile and frequently used way to refer back to something already mentioned, acting as a determiner phrase for cohesion and clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and shows its wide application in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While generally neutral to formal, care should be taken to ensure the reference is clear to the reader, making it an effective tool for concise and coherent communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the previous one

A direct synonym, offering a slightly more common alternative.

the prior one

Similar in meaning, but may imply a stronger sense of order or sequence.

the foregoing one

A more formal alternative, often used in legal or academic contexts.

the earlier one

Implies a temporal relationship, simply indicating something happened at an earlier point.

the one before

A more informal and conversational alternative.

the immediately preceding one

Adds emphasis to the closeness in sequence.

the aforementioned one

Refers specifically to something already mentioned.

the one just mentioned

Emphasizes the recent mention of the item.

the former

Used when contrasting with a 'latter' item.

the one in question

Used to highlight and focus one particular element out of many.

FAQs

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

Use "the preceding one" to refer back to something already mentioned. For example, "The first step is crucial; the preceding one sets the stage for success."

What's a simpler alternative to "the preceding one"?

You can use alternatives like "the previous one" or "the earlier one" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "the preceding one" for clarity?

No, sometimes a more specific noun or phrase is better. If there's any ambiguity, avoid using "the preceding one" and instead, rephrase for clarity.

What's the difference between "the preceding one" and "the following one"?

"The preceding one" refers to something that came before, while "the following one" refers to something that comes after. They are opposites in terms of sequence.