to set a precedent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to set a precedent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal, political, or organizational contexts to indicate that a decision or action will serve as an example for future cases or actions. Example: "The court's ruling in this case could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And did they want to set a precedent?

The New York Times

We cannot allow this to set a precedent".

The New York Times

Today it refuses to set a precedent of yielding to American pressure.

The New York Times

The opposing argument has merit, particularly because the editors' decision may seem to set a precedent.

The New York Times

But the really compelling reason to help Europe now is to set a precedent.

The New York Times

Clearly the intention of the military was to set a precedent.

The Guardian

We are hoping to push Apple to set a precedent for other technology companies".

The Guardian - Tech

In principle I've no problem with it, but I don't want to set a precedent".

The Guardian

The agreement is very likely to set a precedent for the other lawsuits.

The New York Times

"It's going to set a precedent for the next animal," she said.

The New York Times

"Things start to set a precedent," Mr. Dean, the retired Delta pilot, said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to set a precedent", ensure that the context clearly indicates the area or situation in which the precedent will apply. This helps avoid ambiguity about the scope and impact of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "to set a precedent" when the action is unlikely to have broad or long-lasting effects. Overstating the significance can diminish the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to set a precedent" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as a verb phrase. It indicates the action of establishing a standard or example that will influence future decisions or behaviors, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to set a precedent" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of establishing a standard or example that will influence future decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to professional tone. While alternatives like "to establish a precedent" or "to create a benchmark" exist, the key is to ensure the context aligns with the weight and formality implied by the phrase. Avoid overstating the impact and clearly define the scope to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to establish a precedent

Replaces "set" with "establish", emphasizing the act of creating a standard.

to create a benchmark

Focuses on setting a standard for evaluation or comparison.

to lay down a marker

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate setting a clear standard.

to set an example

Highlights the act of providing a model for others to follow.

to establish a guideline

Emphasizes the creation of a rule or principle for future conduct.

to break new ground

Implies doing something innovative that will influence future actions.

to pave the way

Suggests making it easier for others to follow a similar path.

to break the mold

Focuses on deviating from established norms and creating a new standard.

to open the door

Indicates creating an opportunity for future developments or actions.

to chart a course

Emphasizes establishing a direction or strategy for the future.

FAQs

How can "to set a precedent" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "to set a precedent" is commonly used to indicate that a decision or action will serve as a guide for future similar situations. For example, "The court's ruling is likely "to set a precedent" for future cases involving intellectual property."

What is an alternative to saying "to set a precedent"?

Alternatives include "to establish a precedent", "to create a benchmark", or "to lay down a marker", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "to set a precedent" and "to establish a standard"?

"To set a precedent" implies creating a case that future actions will follow, often in legal or formal settings. "To establish a standard", on the other hand, is broader and can refer to setting any kind of norm or expectation. While similar, "to set a precedent" usually carries more weight due to its implications for future decisions.

Is it correct to use "to set a precedent" in informal contexts?

While "to set a precedent" is often used in formal contexts like legal or business settings, it can also be used in informal contexts when you want to emphasize that a particular action will influence future behavior or decisions. However, in very casual conversations, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.