the preceding year

USAGE SUMMARY

"the preceding year" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to the year before the current one. Example: "The company's profits had increased significantly in the preceding year, but unfortunately, they declined in the current year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The agency had received reports of neglect and abuse involving the family in the preceding year.

The New York Times

The award honours first-edition books of poetry published during the preceding year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The data are from April of each year and relate to earnings over the preceding year.

Independent

The timeframe for enquiry was the preceding year.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Results: Osteoporosis was found in 15% of the patients, 19% reported 1 or more falls during the preceding year, and 1.8% had a fracture during the preceding year.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Design: Retrospective survey of current osteoporosis in relation to falls and fractures in the preceding year.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

These assessments were compared to similar on-the-ground assessments made during the preceding year.

Ecological Indicators

They also show that being unemployed the preceding year increases the probability of retiring.

SERIEs

Patients were excluded if they had an echocardiogram in the preceding year.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

During the preceding year, he had experienced episodic headaches, sweating and palpitations.

Annals of Intensive Care

We asked patients whether they experienced symptoms in the preceding year.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing data across multiple years, use "the preceding year" to clearly differentiate it from the current or subsequent years. This adds clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "the preceding year" when you actually mean "the past few years" or "the previous decade". "The preceding year" refers specifically to the year immediately before the current one. Be specific about the timeframe you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the preceding year" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically identifying the year immediately before the current one. It serves to specify a particular timeframe for comparison or reference, as demonstrated by Ludwig in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the preceding year" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to refer to the year immediately prior to the current one. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal writing. While alternatives like "last year" or "the previous year" exist, "the preceding year" offers a level of precision that makes it valuable for clarity in reports and analytical documents. Remember to use it specifically when referring to the immediately prior year, avoiding confusion with other timeframes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The previous year

This is the most direct synonym, maintaining the same level of formality and directness.

The prior year

Similar to "the previous year", but slightly more formal and often used in legal or official contexts.

The year before

A more informal alternative, suitable for casual conversation or less formal writing.

Last year

The simplest and most common alternative, though it lacks the precision of "the preceding year" in certain contexts.

The year in question

Focuses on a specific year that was already mentioned, adding a focus not present in QUERY.

The year under consideration

Implies a more formal analysis or review of the year being discussed, injecting an analytic aspect.

The year before last

Refers to two years prior to the present year, this is a much different timeframe than QUERY.

The former year

This alternative implies a comparison with a later year, adding a sense of sequence not inherently in the original phrase.

The foregoing year

A more archaic and formal option, often found in older texts or legal documents.

The indicated year

Suggests that the year has been specifically pointed out or identified, adding a level of specificity.

FAQs

How do I use "the preceding year" in a sentence?

Use "the preceding year" to refer to the year that came immediately before the current year. For example, "Sales increased by 15% compared to "the previous year"".

What are some alternatives to "the preceding year"?

You can use phrases like "the previous year", "the prior year", or simply "last year", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is there a difference between "the preceding year" and "the previous year"?

While both phrases are largely interchangeable, "the preceding year" might sound slightly more formal than "the previous year". The choice often depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

When should I use "the preceding year" instead of "last year"?

Use "the preceding year" when you need to be very precise and avoid any ambiguity, especially in formal or technical writing. "Last year" is suitable for more informal contexts.