the preceding phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the preceding phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to a phrase mentioned earlier in the text, providing clarity or context. Example: "In the previous section, I discussed the importance of teamwork; the preceding phrase highlights its benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Many American style books will tell you that the preceding phrase, used by Franklin Roosevelt to describe the bombing of Pearl Harbour, is ungrammatical.

The Economist

Dipping at some arbitrary point into the river of text, it's alarming to read "... bin laden has nuclear weapons" when the preceding phrase "officials do not believe" has just eluded you.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He is particularly alive to formal aspects of ancient Hebrew poetry and prose such as repetition, internal rhythm, and parallelism (in which a phrase amplifies and almost repeats a preceding phrase, as in "He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth," from Psalm 72).

The New Yorker

The random model is the simplest model; the likelihood of any phrase occurring is independent of the identity of any preceding phrases.

Plosone

A new phrase is then created as soon as a prefix of the unparsed part of the string differs from all preceding phrases.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The time combining form was pioneered in party time and was popularized by TV's Bob Smith in the late 1940's with "Hi, kids -- it's Howdy Doody time!" The time turns the preceding word or phrase into a modifier, thereby weakening put up or shut up.

The New York Times - Magazine

➢ Phrase-level features Number of syllables and words of the preceding, current, and succeeding phrase Position of the current phrase in the sentence Current phrase ToBI end tone.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

➢ Phrase-level features Number of syllables in the preceding, current, and succeeding phrase Position of the current phrase in the sentence (forward and backward).

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Number of syllables in the preceding, current, and succeeding phrase.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Number of syllables and words of the preceding, current, and succeeding phrase.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Altaic languages use postpositions, which form phrases with the preceding noun, rather than prepositions, which form phrases with the following noun.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the preceding phrase", ensure it's clear to which phrase you are referring, especially in longer texts where multiple phrases might precede it. Using more specific language can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the preceding phrase" if the referred phrase is not immediately obvious to the reader. In such cases, rephrase or directly quote the intended phrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the preceding phrase" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically acting as an adjective modifying an implied noun. It refers back to a previously mentioned phrase in the text. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it clarifies which specific phrase is being discussed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the preceding phrase" is a determiner phrase used to reference a previously mentioned phrase, found in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and serves to link different parts of the text for clarity. While most common in news, scientific, and encyclopedic content, it's important to ensure clear reference to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "the previous statement" or "the foregoing remark" may offer greater specificity or formality depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the immediately preceding phrase

Clarifies that there is no other phrase in between.

the previous statement

Focuses on the content of what was said before, rather than the form.

the foregoing remark

A more formal way to refer to what has just been said.

the aforementioned expression

Emphasizes the fact that the phrase has already been mentioned.

the prior wording

Highlights the specific words used earlier.

the phrase above

Refers to the phrase directly above in the text.

the above-mentioned phrase

Directly refers to something already pointed out.

the earlier term

Refers to a specific word or term previously used.

the prior segment

Highlights a specific segment or part used earlier.

the earlier part

Refers to previous part of the text without specifically pointing out a phrase.

FAQs

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

You can use "the preceding phrase" to refer back to a previously mentioned phrase within a text, such as: "As demonstrated in the examples above, "the preceding phrase" is typically used in formal writing."

What is a more formal alternative to "the preceding phrase"?

A more formal alternative could be "the foregoing remark" or "the aforementioned expression", which add a layer of formality and emphasis.

Is it always necessary to use "the preceding phrase" or are there simpler options?

No, simpler options like "the previous statement" or "the earlier part" can be used if the context is clear and formality is not a concern.

When is it best to avoid using "the preceding phrase"?

It's best to avoid using "the preceding phrase" when the reference might be ambiguous. In cases where multiple phrases precede it, specifying which phrase you mean, or directly quoting it, can prevent confusion.