two times prior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two times prior" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has occurred on two previous occasions before the current reference point. Example: "I have visited that restaurant two times prior, and each experience was delightful."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"One of the jurors just told the jury that Officer Kern had been prosecuted or convicted of police brutality two times prior to this trial," the note said.

The New York Times

Taylor had been knocked out two times prior to the Abraham bout.

Wikipedia

I edit the meetings in a chronological order, but there are also some people who appear who were already present two times prior.

Vice

At each time point, samples were rinsed in DI water two times prior to lyophilization.

Plosone

Even though the ancestral phage stock was washed with water two times prior to the measurements (by using the Amicon Ultra Centrifugal Filter Device 10 000, Millipore), the phage inoculums still contained some nutrients, which increased bacterial growth.

Plosone

Exhaust gases are redirected two times prior to entering the chimney.

Atmospheric Environment

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In addition, he has been granted parole, to my understanding, three times prior to this last time in 2009.

Independent

"There may be an issue whether Southern Cross did or did not contact the hospital on a number of maybe four or five times, prior to the broadcast being made.

The Guardian

According to the police, Mr. Pagan had been arrested nine times prior to last Thursday and once since then, for offenses including criminal mischief, creating graffiti, intent to damage property, telephone harassment and criminal contempt.

The New York Times

Achievement goals were measured four times: prior to two assignments and two exams.

Contemporary Educational Psychology

The Zn foils were ultrasonically washed in HPLC-grade acetone three times prior to use.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "twice before" as a more concise and common alternative to "two times prior" when appropriate for the context.

Common error

Avoid using "two times prior" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "twice before" or "a couple of times" are often more natural and appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "two times prior" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It specifies the frequency or number of occurrences of an event or action before a particular point in time. As Ludwig AI explains, this expression is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "two times prior" is a grammatically sound way to indicate that something has happened on two previous occasions. While Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct, it's more formal than alternatives like "twice before". Predominantly found in scientific, news, and wiki sources, this phrase provides clear and specific information about past occurrences. For more casual contexts, simpler phrasing is often preferable. Be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate and natural language use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twice before

A more concise and common way to say "two times prior".

on two previous occasions

A more formal and emphatic alternative, suitable for academic or professional writing.

two times previously

Similar in meaning, but the adverb "previously" adds a slight emphasis on the past.

in two prior instances

Focuses on specific instances or cases where something happened.

on two earlier occasions

Similar to "two previous occasions", but uses "earlier" instead of "previous".

two instances before this one

More descriptive and less formal, clarifying the reference point.

on a couple of prior occasions

Uses "a couple" which is less formal than "two" but still conveys the same quantity.

two separate times beforehand

Emphasizes that the events were separate and occurred before the current event.

twice in the past

A more general alternative, focusing on the past without specifying occasions.

on two former occasions

A slightly archaic and formal way of saying "on two previous occasions".

FAQs

What does "two times prior" mean?

The phrase "two times prior" means that something has occurred on two separate occasions before the current point of reference. It indicates a repetition of an event or action in the past.

What can I say instead of "two times prior"?

You can use alternatives like "twice before", "on two previous occasions", or "two times previously" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "two times prior"?

Yes, the phrase "two times prior" is grammatically correct. However, it's important to consider the context, as more concise or informal alternatives might be more suitable in certain situations.

In what contexts is "two times prior" commonly used?

The phrase "two times prior" is frequently used in scientific and formal writing. It is also sometimes used in news reporting and general writing where a specific and clear reference to past occurrences is needed.