the previous monday

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the previous Monday" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the Monday that occurred before the current week or the week in question. Example: "We had a meeting scheduled for the previous Monday, but it was postponed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

He had returned to the races the previous Monday and romped off with the Oneonta Handicap.

The New Yorker

That's actually about 130,000 fewer viewers than watched him the previous Monday night.

The Washington Post

Among viewers ages 18 to 49, Mr. Colbert attracted about 980,000, more than double the previous Monday.

The New York Times

Last night The Palace matched its audience from the previous Monday and was up by one share point.

The Guardian

The apartment, which had gone on the market the previous Monday, had 15 bids five days later.

The New York Times

He hit nine receivers in the previous Monday night's 24-14 upset of the New England Patriots.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The previous day's date.

The Guardian

The sale allegedly occurred the previous day.

Cornell University

The previous day, the number was 507.

The New York Times

big rumbling" of the previous day.

The Washington Post

He described the previous day as "momentous".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is crucial, especially if discussing multiple Mondays, use "the previous monday" to avoid ambiguity with "last monday", which can sometimes be misinterpreted.

Common error

Avoid using "the previous monday" when referring to a Monday that is not immediately before the current week. If referring to a Monday further in the past, specify the date or use a more precise timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the previous monday" functions as a temporal specifier. It indicates a specific point in time relative to the present, identifying the Monday that immediately preceded the current week. Ludwig AI showcases that this phrase is widely used to provide a clear temporal reference in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the previous monday" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for specifying the Monday that occurred immediately before the current week. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability and demonstrates its use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "last monday" exist, "the previous monday" offers greater clarity when precision is needed. When you’re seeking to establish a clear and unambiguous reference point in time, using "the previous monday" serves as an effective choice, ensuring your audience understands the temporal context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last monday

More concise way of referring to the Monday immediately before the current date.

the monday before

Emphasizes the temporal order, highlighting that the Monday in question occurred before a specific event or point in time.

a week ago monday

More explicit in specifying the one-week interval.

the monday of last week

Slightly more formal and descriptive way of specifying the Monday within the previous week.

the monday preceding this one

More formal and academic way to reference the previous Monday.

the monday just gone

Informal phrasing indicating a recent event.

the monday prior

More formal alternative, using 'prior' to indicate the preceding Monday.

the monday that passed

Emphasizes the completion or passing of the Monday in question.

earlier this week, on monday

Alternative to specifying that it was the previous Monday.

the monday before the current one

More descriptive and less concise; provides clarity in contexts where multiple Mondays are being discussed.

FAQs

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

Use "the previous monday" to refer to the Monday that occurred immediately before the current week. For example, "The project deadline was set for "the previous monday", but it has been extended."

What's a more concise alternative to "the previous monday"?

A more concise alternative to "the previous monday" is "last monday". However, ensure the context is clear to avoid any ambiguity.

Is there a formal alternative to "the previous monday"?

A more formal alternative is "the monday preceding this one", although it is less commonly used.

When should I use "the previous monday" instead of "last monday"?

Use "the previous monday" when you want to be explicit about referring to the Monday immediately before the current one, reducing potential ambiguity. While "last monday" is generally acceptable, "the previous monday" adds a layer of precision.