this prior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this prior" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to refer to something mentioned earlier, but it lacks clarity and proper context. Example: "In this prior discussion, we covered the main points of the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This prior restraint is common.

The Guardian

What is this — prior to his being shot?

The New Yorker

"We're sorry you were not aware of this prior to check-in today.

The Guardian - Film

With this prior picture of everything else that has been happening, this hurts".

The New York Times

We were not informed of this prior to arriving".

The New York Times

Teachers already use this prior knowledge and build on it to develop children's understanding.

The Guardian

The UN must make sense of this prior to the general assembly in September.

The Guardian

"Clearly this prior disciplinary matter failed to deter Dr. Ward's continued misconduct," the attorney general's complaint said.

The New York Times

"If your adversaries were not aware of this prior to Sept. 11, they have that example now at the forefront.

The New York Times

But how do they get this prior?

SEP

This prior is also improper.

European Transport Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "this prior" with clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives such as "this previous", "the aforementioned", or "the preceding" to enhance clarity and maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "this prior" in formal writing. While frequent, it's often seen as grammatically awkward. Opt for more precise language to ensure your writing remains clear and professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this prior" functions as a determiner and adjective aiming to specify a preceding element or piece of information. Ludwig AI indicates that this construction is grammatically incorrect. Instead, the phrase should be replaced by grammatically correct alternatives such as "this previous" or "the aforementioned".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "this prior" is frequently encountered, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect. Its intended purpose is to reference something previously mentioned, but clearer alternatives like "this previous", "the aforementioned", or "the preceding" are recommended, especially in formal contexts. The phrase appears often in scientific and news media, but adhering to stricter grammatical standards will enhance the quality and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this previous

Uses a more common and grammatically accepted synonym for "prior".

this context

Refers to previously mentioned information in a specific surrounding or setting.

this earlier

Uses a simpler word to indicate that something happened before.

this initial

Emphasizes that it is the first occurrence or stage.

this preceding

Replaces "prior" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing sequence.

this background

Refers to previously mentioned contextual information.

this preliminary

Highlights the introductory or preparatory nature of what's being referenced.

the above

A concise way to refer to something already discussed, particularly in writing.

the aforementioned

Refers specifically to something already mentioned, adding formality.

the foregoing

Indicates something that has just been discussed.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "this prior" that are grammatically correct?

Consider using alternatives like "this previous", "the aforementioned", or "this preceding" depending on the context.

Is "this prior" considered formal or informal language?

While "this prior" appears in various sources, it's generally considered less formal and not always grammatically correct. Formal writing benefits from more precise alternatives.

How can I improve the clarity of my writing when tempted to use "this prior"?

Instead of "this prior", specify exactly what you're referring to. For example, use "this prior research", "this prior example", or rephrase to include more context.

What's the difference between "this prior" and "this previous"?

"This previous" is generally a more accepted and grammatically sound alternative to "this prior". While both aim to reference something earlier, "this previous" is clearer and more common.