the preceding question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the preceding question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to a question that was asked earlier in a conversation or text. Example: "In response to the preceding question, I would like to clarify my position on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

That last, by the way, is not an exclamation of shock but rather an answer to the preceding question, posed with reference to Mr. Smith.

The New York Times

They obtained the following result, which can be seen as a partial affirmative answer to the preceding question.

Advances in Difference Equations

Explicit in the answer to the preceding question is that humans think about how the Anthropocene might do bad things to us via hazards and disasters.

Geoscience Letters

I know the preceding question sounds hyperbolic.

Huffington Post

What about the preceding question should have led to Sessions talking about jobs, though?

Huffington Post

Answering the preceding question using other FBA software requires an exponential number of trials if all subsets are tried, whereas MetaFlux can answer this question in one trial.

Bioinformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

and incorporates answers to the preceding questions.

The New York Times

4. WRAP-UP/HOMEWORK: Each student should prepare a summary of his or her group's research that answers all of the preceding questions.

The New York Times

What empirical questions would help address the preceding questions?

SEP

Legal, social, and biological parenthood can be conceptually distinguished; however, parenthood is arguably fundamentally a moral relationship, and its moral assignment should be considering in answering the preceding questions.

SEP

The most effective backup plans take all the preceding questions and issues into account when deciding on the plan's various elements: the backup software, media selection, number and placement of backup servers, the schedule of backup operations, the storage locations for archived data, and facilities and procedures for various types of data restoration, and the like.

Handbook of Network and System Administration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring back to a question, ensure clarity by either restating the question briefly or providing enough context so readers understand which question you're referencing. This prevents confusion and keeps the discussion focused.

Common error

Avoid using "the preceding question" when multiple questions have been asked in the same paragraph or section. It may become unclear to which question you are referring. Instead, restate part of the question for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the preceding question" functions as a determiner phrase identifying a specific question that has been previously mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the preceding question" is a determiner phrase used to refer back to a previously asked question. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples indicates that it functions primarily to provide clarity and coherence in written or spoken discourse. The phrase is considered grammatically correct and is most commonly used in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. Alternatives include "the prior question" or "the earlier question". While versatile, it's important to ensure clear reference, especially when multiple questions have been posed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the prior question

Replaces 'preceding' with 'prior', indicating a question asked earlier.

the previous question

Uses 'previous' instead of 'preceding', maintaining the same meaning.

the foregoing question

Substitutes 'preceding' with 'foregoing', which is a more formal alternative.

the question before

Simplifies the phrase to directly indicate the question asked just before.

the question discussed earlier

Emphasizes that the question was discussed at an earlier point.

the aforementioned question

A more formal replacement for "the preceding question".

that question asked earlier

Specifies 'that' question which was posed earlier.

the initial inquiry

Replaces question with a more formal word: inquiry.

the originating question

Replaces preceding with a more emphasis on the origin of the question.

the setup question

Implies that the question set the stage for a subsequent response or discussion.

FAQs

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

Use "the preceding question" to refer back to a question that has already been asked. For example, "In response to "the preceding question", I would like to add..."

What are some alternatives to "the preceding question"?

You can use phrases like "the previous question", "the prior question", or "the earlier question" as alternatives to "the preceding question".

Is it ever better to restate the question instead of using "the preceding question"?

Yes, especially if there have been multiple questions asked or if the context might be unclear. Restating the question ensures clarity.

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

"The preceding question" refers to a question that was asked before, while "the following question" refers to a question that will be asked next.