the previous administration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the previous administration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the government or leadership that was in power before the current one. Example: "The previous administration implemented several policies that are still being debated today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Like the previous administration, we were for regime change".

The New York Times

The previous administration emphasized punishing processors rather than preventing contamination.

The New York Times

Under the previous administration, the figure was three.

The Guardian

This move had been resisted by the previous administration.

The New York Times

Predictably, Lockhart is not a fan of the previous administration.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The current commissioners are holdovers from the previous administration.

The New York Times

They track closely with the goals of the previous administration.

The Guardian

The president inherits a $1.3tn deficit from the previous administration.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said his inheritance from the previous administration was "catastrophic".

The New York Times

Both officials were holdovers from the previous administration.

The New York Times

The previous administration were planning to halve overall public sector net investment during the period".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the previous administration" to clearly and neutrally refer to the government that preceded the current one. This phrase is suitable for news reports, academic papers, and formal discussions where objectivity is important.

Common error

Avoid using "the previous administration" without establishing which administration you are referring to. Always provide context to ensure clarity, especially when writing for a general audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the previous administration" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it referring to the government or leadership that held power before the current one.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the previous administration" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the government or leadership that preceded the current one. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Primarily found in News & Media, it serves a neutral function, enabling comparisons of policies and actions between administrations. While alternatives like "the former administration" and "the prior administration" exist, the key is to ensure clear context. Avoiding assumptions about prior knowledge enhances clarity and broadens audience understanding. With a very high presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, the phrase is a reliable choice for formal and neutral communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the prior administration

Replaces "previous" with "prior", offering a slightly more formal tone.

the former administration

Uses "former" instead of "previous", emphasizing that the administration is no longer in power.

the previous leadership

A direct synonym using "leadership" instead of "administration".

the preceding government

Substitutes "administration" with "government", highlighting the governmental aspect.

the past government

A simpler and more direct way to refer to the government that was in power before.

the last government

Simple and direct, similar to "the past government".

the prior leadership

Replaces "administration" with "leadership", emphasizing the leaders rather than the administrative structure.

the outgoing administration

Focuses on the act of leaving office, suitable when discussing the transition period.

the previous incumbents

Uses "incumbents" to refer to those who previously held office, adding a touch of formality.

the old regime

More dramatic, often used when the change in power is significant.

FAQs

How do I use "the previous administration" in a sentence?

You can use "the previous administration" to refer to the government that was in power before the current one. For example, "The previous administration implemented several controversial policies".

What's the difference between "the previous administration" and "the former administration"?

Both phrases are very similar and often interchangeable. "The former administration" might emphasize the fact that the administration is no longer in power more strongly than "the previous administration".

Is it appropriate to use "the previous administration" in formal writing?

Yes, "the previous administration" is a neutral and appropriate phrase for formal writing, including news articles, academic papers, and business reports. It provides a clear and professional way to refer to a past government.

What are some alternatives to "the previous administration"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "the prior administration", "the preceding government", or "the outgoing administration".