what is prior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is prior" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about something that occurred before a certain point in time or context. Example: "In order to understand the current situation, we need to clarify what is prior to this event."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The third is resolution as problem-solving, understood as what is prior to the systematic act of demonstration (synthesis).

SEP

From a theoretical point of view, these determinations immediately refer to a causal relation that is either negated (by what is prior, rich and necessary) or affirmed (by what is posterior, poor and possible).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The fashioning, however, is the process of bringing order to what was, prior to and apart from the Craftsman's intervention, a thoroughly disorderly state of affairs, and so the physical account begins with a description of that disorderly, "god-forsaken" (53b3 4) initial state.

SEP

So what is actual is prior in substance to what is potential.

SEP

And sense-data (or, we may add, perceptual experience) play the role of what is given prior to any thinking, and prior therefore to any exploitation of knowledge or beliefs previously acquired.

SEP

What is this — prior to his being shot?

The New Yorker

What is the prior probability (before drawing a ball) that, given that a ball is drawn from the urn, that the drawn ball will be black?

SEP

In legal terms, this is what is called "prior restraint".

Huffington Post

What is their prior knowledge?

WikiHow

A word of advice: if you're going to call someone a socialist, you had better make certain you understand what one is prior to a national media appearance.

Huffington Post

If you see a large block of "funny" looking code in the footer, email the designer and ask what it is prior to launching your website.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what is prior", ensure the context clearly defines the 'what' and the point of reference for 'prior'. For example, "What is the prior knowledge assumed for this course?" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "what is prior" when you actually mean "what is the priority". 'Prior' refers to time or order, while 'priority' refers to importance or precedence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is prior" functions as an interrogative expression used to seek information about something that precedes a specific event, time, or condition. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The examples show it in academic and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what is prior" serves as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about preceding events, knowledge, or conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its usage frequency is relatively rare. Predominantly found in science, news, and wiki contexts, the phrase aims to establish a foundational understanding by identifying antecedents. To enhance clarity, ensure the context explicitly defines the 'what' and the reference point for 'prior'. Be mindful not to confuse 'prior' with 'priority', as they denote different concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what precedes

Focuses on the chronological order, asking about what comes before.

what came before

Directly asks about the antecedent event or state.

what existed previously

Emphasizes the prior existence of something.

what was the original state

Inquires about the initial condition or situation.

what is antecedent

Uses a more formal term to ask about what precedes.

what is preliminary

Focuses on the introductory or preparatory nature of something.

what is the backstory

Asks for the background information or history.

what is the history

Inquires about the past events related to the subject.

what are the origins

Focuses on the beginning or source of something.

what were the precursors

Asks about the elements that came before and influenced the current state.

FAQs

How can I use "what is prior" in a sentence?

You can use "what is prior" to inquire about something that occurred before a certain point in time or context. For example, "What is the prior knowledge required for this course?" or "What is prior to the systematic act of demonstration?"

What can I say instead of "what is prior"?

You can use alternatives like "what precedes", "what came before", or "what existed previously" depending on the context.

Is "what is prior" formal or informal?

"What is prior" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to be more common in academic or technical discussions.

What's the difference between "what is prior" and "what was prior"?

"What is prior" implies a current relevance or ongoing consideration, while "what was prior" refers to something that was relevant or in place at a specific time in the past. The choice depends on whether the prior state is still important to the current context.