the prior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the prior" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that was mentioned or occurred before in a discussion or text. Example: "In the prior section of the report, we discussed the methodology used for the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why the prior neglect?

The New York Times - Arts

The prior record holder?

The New York Times

The prior day's game?

The New York Times

"The prior residents never complained".

The New York Times

As compared to the prior Convention Season.

The New York Times

Who has the prior claim now?

The New York Times

The prior budget scrutiny is highly controversial.

The Guardian

The prior agreements are out the window".

The New York Times

He did most of the prior research.

The Guardian

Exceptional costs for the prior year were £2.3m".

The Guardian - Sport

The prior contract expired at the end of August.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the prior" when you want to specifically refer to something that has already been mentioned or is understood from the context. It adds a level of formality suitable for professional and academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "prior" when you mean "priority". "Prior" refers to something previous, while "priority" refers to something of importance that needs attention first. For example, say "the prior agreement" instead of "the priority agreement" if you are talking about a previous agreement.

Linguistic Context

The prior" functions primarily as a determiner followed by an adjective, modifying a noun. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used across a range of contexts to specify something that precedes what is currently under discussion, action or consideration. Examples in Ludwig include phrases like "the prior year" or "the prior agreement".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the prior" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to specify something preceding the current subject, adding clarity and context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most common in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While interchangeable with alternatives like "previous" or "preceding", "the prior" often lends a slightly more formal tone. Remember to use "the prior" to refer to what comes before and not confuse it with "priority".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the preceding

Refers to something that comes immediately before in order or time. It emphasizes sequence.

the previous

Indicates something that occurred or existed before, similar to "the prior" but more common in everyday language.

the former

Used to denote the first of two things mentioned, implying a comparison.

the earlier

Implies an event or item that happened or existed at an earlier time.

the foregoing

Refers to something that has been said or written earlier, often in a legal or formal context.

the antecedent

Highlights the element that logically precedes another, often used in grammar or logic.

the preliminary

Indicates something that serves as a preparation or introduction.

the initial

Signifies the very first stage or instance of something.

the originating

Highlights the source or beginning point of something.

the precursory

Describes something that comes before and indicates the approach of something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "the prior" to refer to something that happened or was mentioned earlier. For example, "As compared to "the prior Convention Season", this year's event was much smaller."

What words can I use instead of "the prior"?

Alternatives to "the prior" include "the previous", "the preceding", or "the earlier", depending on the specific context.

When is it best to use "the prior" over "the previous"?

"The prior" is often used in more formal writing or when referring to legal or official matters. "The previous" is more common in everyday conversation and informal writing.

Is there a difference between "the prior" and "the former"?

"The prior" refers to something that came before in time or sequence. "The former" is used when comparing two things, referring to the first one mentioned. If you introduce A and B, you can call A "the former" and B "the latter". If you have A happened on Monday and B happened on Tuesday, you can say A is "the prior".