the previous

USAGE SUMMARY

"the previous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to refer to something that has already been mentioned. For example, "This observation contrasts with the previous results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(See the previous installments).

The New Yorker

The previous tenant was Danskin.

The New York Times

The previous deadline was Monday.

The New York Times

Ah yes, the previous versions.

Independent

Highlights from the previous week.

The New York Times

David was the previous generation".

The New York Times

Finally, repeat the previous step.

The New York Times

And the previous month?

The Guardian

The previous editor didn't.

The New Yorker

The previous match had been a rout.

Independent

The previous aim was 60 mph faster.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the previous", ensure there is a clear reference point in the context. Make sure it's immediately obvious what you're referring back to.

Common error

Avoid using "the previous" when the subject you are referring to is not immediately clear or has not been explicitly mentioned. This can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the previous" functions as a determiner followed by an adjective. It modifies a noun by specifying that it is the one that came before in time or order. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

29%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the previous" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer back to something already mentioned. As highlighted by Ludwig, it serves to connect ideas and provide context in various writing scenarios. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news articles to formal documents. While it's generally straightforward, ensure clarity in your writing by making sure the reference of "the previous" is immediately obvious to avoid confusion. With alternatives like "the preceding" and "the former" available, you have flexibility in choosing the most appropriate phrasing for your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the preceding

This alternative is a more formal synonym, emphasizing the order of occurrence.

the prior

This option offers a slightly more concise way to indicate something that came before.

the former

This alternative is typically used when comparing two items, referring to the first one mentioned.

the earlier

This option is a more general way of saying something happened at an earlier time.

the last

This alternative is used to refer to the immediately preceding item or event.

the foregoing

This alternative is more formal and often used in legal or academic contexts to refer to something already mentioned.

the above

This option is often used in writing to refer to something mentioned earlier in the text.

the past

This alternative broadens the scope to generally refer to things that have already happened.

that which came before

This alternative is a more verbose and descriptive way of indicating something that preceded the current subject.

aforementioned

This alternative is a sophisticated term often used in formal writing to reference something previously stated.

FAQs

How can I use "the previous" in a sentence?

Use "the previous" to refer to something that has already been mentioned. For example, "This result contrasts with "the previous finding"."

What's a more formal alternative to "the previous"?

Alternatives such as "the preceding" or "the aforementioned" can be used in more formal contexts.

Is there a difference between "the previous" and "the last"?

"The previous" generally refers to something that came before, while "the last" typically refers to the most recent item. For example, "The previous chapter set the stage for the climax, unlike "the last chapter" which was the climax."

Can I use "the previous" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "the previous" can sometimes make the sentence feel less dynamic. Consider restructuring the sentence or using a synonym like "previously" or "before".