the previous record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the previous record" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a record that was established or noted before the current one being discussed. Example: "The previous record for the fastest marathon was set in 2019."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The previous record low was September 1981.

The New York Times

The previous record was eight days.

The New York Times

The previous record was March 28.

The New York Times

The previous record was 24 1/24

The New York Times - Food

The previous record was six prosecutions.

The Guardian

The previous record year for new products was 2001.

The New York Times

The previous record, $227.1 billion, was in 1997.

The New York Times

Texas carried out 37 executions in 1997, the previous record.

The New York Times

The previous record was 27 points in 1968.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The previous record-holder was Bill Clinton.

The New Yorker

The previous record-holder?

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing records, clearly specify the category or context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the previous record", say "the previous record for the fastest marathon time".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "the previous record" without providing sufficient context. Ensure your audience understands what specific record you are referring to, or you risk confusing them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the previous record" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'broke the previous record') or as a subject complement (e.g., 'This exceeds the previous record'). Ludwig's examples show its common usage in contexts involving comparisons and achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the previous record" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for referring to a prior achievement or data point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in news, academic, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and clearly define the specific record you are referencing. Consider alternatives like "the former record" or "the prior record" for slight variations in meaning. Remember the phrase is neutral and can be used in both informal and formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the former record

Replaces "previous" with "former", indicating a record that existed before the current one.

the prior record

Substitutes "previous" with "prior", implying a record that came before in time or order.

the preceding record

Uses "preceding" in place of "previous", suggesting a record that immediately came before.

the earlier record

Replaces "previous" with "earlier", indicating a record from a time in the past.

the existing record

Implies the record was in place before the new one.

the old record

Uses "old" to indicate that the record has been surpassed.

the historical record

Suggests a record of importance in history.

the benchmark

Refers to a standard against which new achievements are measured.

the standing record

Indicates that the record was valid until recently.

the best result so far

Expresses that the previous measurement was top-ranked until recent event.

FAQs

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

You can use "the previous record" to compare an old achievement to a new one. For example, "The athlete broke "the previous record" by two seconds".

What's a good alternative to "the previous record"?

Alternatives include "the prior record", "the former record", or "the earlier record". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "previous record" or should I use "prior record"?

Both "previous record" and "prior record" are grammatically correct and widely accepted. The choice between them is often a matter of personal preference, although "previous" might be slightly more common in general usage.

What does it mean when someone says that a new record has 'eclipsed' "the previous record"?

When a new record 'eclipses' "the previous record", it means the new record has surpassed or overshadowed the old record, demonstrating a significant improvement or achievement.