the preceding time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the preceding time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time period that came before the current one being discussed. Example: "In the preceding time, we observed significant changes in the market trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

In this new edition, we have highlighted the importance of digital filtering by separating the filter section from the preceding time series chapter.

Data Analysis Methods in Physical Oceanography

In most analyses, symptoms of depression and anxiety, both at baseline and at the preceding time point, were significant independent predictors of worse pain and function after controlling for relevant covariates.

PAIN

On the other hand, the regulation significantly reduced the subsequent overvaluation and misvaluation for firms with higher levels of transient investors relative to the preceding time period, consistent with an increased access to material information previously enjoyed only by dedicated investors.

Columbia University

The value of these coefficients and constants depends on the pressure values of the matrix of the preceding time interval.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Among patients with a finding of severe AS, the proportion of patients aged older than 80 years increased to 51.0% in the most recent time period (2010-2012) compared with 32.6% in the preceding time period (P < 0.001 for overall time trend).

Duke University

In particular, we analyzed the frequency-time dependence of the signal-to-noise ratio R over a 20-min interval (nominal frequency resolution ~0.83 mHz), the beginning of each interval being shifted by 1 min with respect to the preceding (time resolution of 1 min).

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

We identified cells analyzed in the preceding time-lapse experiment using gridded cover slips.

BMC Biology

This suggests that the velocity of the host response can be predicted by changes in viral replication at the preceding time-point.

BMC Systems Biology

In our model, exposure was defined, at the patient level and for each day of hospitalization, as the presence of an infectious person in the same ward during the days preceding time t.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Table 3 shows that not having a medical check-up in the year preceding time 1 and having multiple colds in that time period increased the likelihood of attendance two-fold.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

cFVC: forced volume capacity, defined as an average of two values in the year preceding time of pneumococcus isolation.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the preceding time", ensure that the context clearly establishes the timeframe being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "the preceding month" or "the preceding year" if the context requires more precision.

Common error

Avoid using "the preceding time" when you actually mean "the recent time" or "the immediate past". "Preceding" simply denotes an earlier point, not necessarily a recent one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the preceding time" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a particular time interval that occurred before a reference point. It is often used to compare or contrast data, events, or conditions between two distinct time periods, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

76%

Academia

12%

News & Media

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the preceding time" is grammatically sound and commonly used across various domains, especially within science and academia. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to provide temporal context by referencing a specific point prior to the one being discussed. While it's prevalent in formal and scientific writing, it's crucial to maintain clarity by specifying the timeframe (e.g. "the preceding month"). Alternatives like "the previous time" or "the prior time" can be used for variety, ensuring the chosen phrase aligns with the intended level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the previous time

Replaces "preceding" with "previous", a direct synonym with minimal semantic shift.

the prior time

Substitutes "preceding" with "prior", another synonym indicating an earlier point in time.

the earlier time

Emphasizes the temporal order using "earlier", highlighting that the time in question came before the current one.

the time before

Uses a more descriptive phrase to convey the concept of a time that occurred before the present.

the foregoing time

Employs "foregoing", a more formal synonym for "preceding", suitable for academic or legal contexts.

the time in question

Focuses on a specific time that has already been mentioned or is under consideration.

the immediate past

Indicates the time very closely before now, providing more details about the timeframe.

the antecedent time

Introduces "antecedent," a more technical or specialized synonym for "preceding," which indicates a time that happened before.

the period beforehand

Highlights duration emphasizing the "period" and how it happens "beforehand."

the elapsed interval

Focuses on the idea of an interval of time that has passed already.

FAQs

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

You can use "the preceding time" to refer to a specific time period that occurred before the current one being discussed. For example: "The data from "the preceding time" period showed a significant increase in sales."

What are some alternatives to "the preceding time"?

Some alternatives include "the previous time", "the prior time", or "the earlier time". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "the preceding time" or "the previous time"?

"The preceding time" and "the previous time" are generally interchangeable. However, "preceding" might be perceived as slightly more formal, making it suitable for academic or professional writing.

When should I use "the preceding time" instead of "previously"?

Use "the preceding time" when you need to refer to a specific time period. Use "previously" when you want to indicate that something happened at an earlier point without specifying a particular timeframe. For example: "We analyzed data from the preceding time period" versus "We had previously analyzed the data."