Are you confused about when to use “prior” and “preceding” in your writing? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings and uses. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “prior” and “preceding” and provide examples of when to use each one.
Let’s define these two words:
- Prior: happening or existing before something else; earlier in time or order
- Preceding: coming before in time or order; previous or former
So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is: it depends on the context. In some cases, both words could be appropriate. However, there are some subtle differences in meaning that can affect which word you choose.
When we say something is “prior” to something else, we mean that it comes before it in time or order. For example:
- I need to finish this report prior to our meeting tomorrow.
- The company had a good quarter prior to the pandemic.
On the other hand, “preceding” refers to something that comes before another thing in time or order. It can be used as a synonym for “previous” or “former.” For example:
- The preceding chapter discussed the history of the company.
- The preceding year was a difficult one for the industry.
Now that we’ve defined these terms, let’s take a closer look at when to use each one.
Define Prior
Prior is an adjective that is used to describe something that happened or existed before a specific event or time. It is often used to refer to something that is earlier in time or order. For example, if we say “I had a meeting prior to the conference,” it means that the meeting happened before the conference.
Define Preceding
Preceding is another adjective that is used to describe something that happened or existed before a specific event or time. It is often used interchangeably with prior, but it can also refer to something that came immediately before the event or time in question. For example, if we say “The speaker at the conference was preceded by a short introduction,” it means that the introduction came immediately before the speaker.
Here’s a table that summarizes the similarities and differences between the two terms:
| Prior | Preceding | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Something that happened or existed before a specific event or time | Something that happened or existed before a specific event or time, or something that came immediately before the event or time in question |
| Usage | Often used to refer to something that is earlier in time or order | Often used interchangeably with prior, but can also refer to something that came immediately before the event or time in question |
It’s important to note that while prior and preceding are similar in meaning, they can have slightly different connotations depending on the context in which they are used. Understanding the nuances of these terms can help you communicate more effectively and precisely in your writing.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right word in a sentence can make a big difference in the meaning of a sentence. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words ‘prior’ and ‘preceding’ in a sentence.
How To Use ‘Prior’ In A Sentence
The word ‘prior’ is an adjective that means ‘existing or coming before in time, order, or importance.’ It can also be used as a noun, meaning ‘a previous or former time or circumstance.’ Here are some examples of how to use ‘prior’ in a sentence:
- Prior to the meeting, we need to review the agenda.
- The company had no prior experience in the field.
- She was promoted to a higher position due to her prior achievements.
As you can see, ‘prior’ is used to describe something that happened before a specific time or event. It can also be used to describe something that is more important or of higher priority.
How To Use ‘Preceding’ In A Sentence
The word ‘preceding’ is a verb that means ‘coming before in time or order.’ It is often used in the present participle form, ‘preceding,’ to describe something that is happening right now. Here are some examples of how to use ‘preceding’ in a sentence:
- The preceding chapter discussed the history of the company.
- She is currently working on the project, but she was not involved in the preceding phase.
- The weather forecast for the next few days is similar to the preceding week.
As you can see, ‘preceding’ is used to describe something that came before the current time or event. It can also be used to describe something that is happening right now, but is related to something that came before.
More Examples Of Prior & Preceding Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between the words “prior” and “preceding,” it’s important to see them used in context. Below are examples of each word used in a sentence.
Examples Of Using “Prior” In A Sentence
- Prior to the meeting, I reviewed all of the necessary documents.
- The company had a history of financial problems prior to the new CEO’s arrival.
- She had never been to Europe prior to this trip.
- The team needed to resolve the issue prior to presenting their findings.
- The school required all students to complete a certain number of classes prior to graduation.
- Prior to the storm, residents were advised to evacuate the area.
- The athlete had to complete a series of tests prior to being cleared to play.
- He had never tried sushi prior to dining at the new restaurant.
- The project was behind schedule prior to the team’s decision to work overtime.
- She had to finish her work prior to leaving for vacation.
Examples Of Using “Preceding” In A Sentence
- The preceding chapter provided an overview of the author’s main arguments.
- He was the third employee to leave the company in the preceding month.
- The preceding year had been a difficult one for the business.
- During the preceding decade, the company had expanded rapidly.
- The study’s results were consistent with the preceding research in the field.
- The preceding paragraph introduced the topic of the essay.
- She had worked at the company for the preceding five years.
- The preceding section of the report outlined the methodology used in the study.
- The preceding speaker had given a compelling argument for the proposal.
- He had never experienced such a challenging situation in the preceding years of his career.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “prior” and “preceding,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Prior” Instead Of “Preceding”
One common mistake is using “prior” to mean “preceding.” While both words refer to something that comes before another event, “prior” specifically means “earlier in time” or “before in order.” For example, “I had a meeting prior to the conference.” In this sentence, “prior” is used correctly because it refers to a meeting that happened earlier in time than the conference.
On the other hand, “preceding” means “coming before in time, order, or position.” For example, “The preceding chapter discussed the history of the company.” In this sentence, “preceding” is used correctly because it refers to the chapter that comes before the current one.
Using “Preceding” Instead Of “Previous”
Another common mistake is using “preceding” when “previous” is the correct word to use. While both words refer to something that came before, “preceding” specifically means “coming before in time, order, or position,” while “previous” means “existing or occurring before in time or order.” For example, “The previous owner of the company retired last year.” In this sentence, “previous” is used correctly because it refers to the owner who existed before the current one.
Using “Prior To” Instead Of “Before”
Finally, another mistake people make is using “prior to” when “before” is the correct word to use. While both words mean “earlier than,” “prior to” is more formal and should be used in formal writing. For example, “The report was submitted before the deadline.” In this sentence, “before” is used correctly because it is a more appropriate word choice for informal writing.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the meanings of “prior” and “preceding” and use them appropriately. Here are some tips:
- Use “prior” when referring to something that happened earlier in time or before in order.
- Use “preceding” when referring to something that comes before in time, order, or position.
- Use “previous” when referring to something that existed or occurred before in time or order.
- Use “before” in informal writing instead of “prior to.”
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “prior” and “preceding,” context is key. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between these two words might change.
Legal Documents
In legal documents, precision is of utmost importance. The word “prior” is often used to refer to something that comes before a specific point in time or a particular event. For example, a contract may state that payment is due prior to the delivery of goods. In this case, “prior” is the more appropriate word choice because it refers to a specific time frame.
Academic Writing
In academic writing, the word “preceding” is often used to refer to something that comes before another thing in a more general sense. For example, a research paper may discuss the preceding literature on a particular topic. In this case, “preceding” is the more appropriate word choice because it refers to a broader time frame.
Chronological Order
When discussing events in chronological order, both “prior” and “preceding” can be used interchangeably. However, “preceding” is often preferred when discussing a series of events that occur in a more general sense. For example, a history book may discuss the preceding events that led up to a particular war. In this case, “preceding” is the more appropriate word choice because it refers to a broader time frame.
Technical Writing
In technical writing, the choice between “prior” and “preceding” may depend on the specific field or industry. For example, in computer programming, “prior” is often used to refer to a condition that must be met before a certain action can take place. On the other hand, in engineering, “preceding” may be used to refer to a sequence of events that must occur in a certain order. In this case, the appropriate word choice may depend on the specific context of the writing.
| Context | Appropriate Word Choice |
|---|---|
| Legal Documents | “Prior” |
| Academic Writing | “Preceding” |
| Chronological Order | Interchangeable |
| Technical Writing | Depends on specific context |
Overall, the choice between “prior” and “preceding” depends on the specific context in which they are used. Legal documents may require more precise language, while academic writing may require a broader perspective. Chronological order and technical writing may also play a role in determining the appropriate word choice. By considering the context carefully, writers can choose the word that best conveys their intended meaning.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “prior” and “preceding” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where these rules might not apply.
Exception 1: Legal Language
In legal language, “prior” and “preceding” are often used interchangeably. This is because both words refer to something that came before another event or action. In legal documents, it is common to see phrases like “prior to the incident” or “preceding the date of the contract.”
Exception 2: Technical Writing
In technical writing, “prior” and “preceding” are also often used interchangeably. This is because technical writing often involves describing a sequence of events or actions, and both words can be used to describe something that came before another event or action. For example, in a technical manual, you might see instructions like “prior to turning on the machine” or “preceding the installation of the software.”
Exception 3: Colloquial Language
In colloquial language, people often use “prior” and “preceding” interchangeably, even though there may be a subtle difference in meaning. For example, someone might say “I saw him prior to the meeting” or “I saw him preceding the meeting,” even though “prior” suggests that the meeting was the next event, while “preceding” suggests that there were other events that came before the meeting.
Exception 4: Regional Differences
In some regions or dialects, “prior” and “preceding” may be used differently than in standard English. For example, in some parts of the United States, people might say “I’m going to do this prior to that” instead of “I’m going to do this before that.” In these cases, it’s important to be aware of the regional differences and adjust your language accordingly.
Overall, while there are some exceptions to the rules for using “prior” and “preceding,” these words are generally used in a specific way to describe the order of events or actions. By understanding these rules and exceptions, you can use these words correctly and effectively in your writing.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between prior and preceding, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. The following exercises will help you improve your usage of these words in sentences.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (prior or preceding) to fill in the blank in each sentence:
- ________ to the meeting, we need to review the agenda.
- The report from last quarter is __________ to the one we just received.
- The CEO’s speech __________ the start of the conference.
- __________ to the concert, we decided to grab dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Answer key:
- Prior
- Preceding
- Preceded
- Prior
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
Rewrite the following sentences using either prior or preceding:
- The movie starts at 7 pm. You should arrive at the theater at 6:45 pm.
- The company’s profits were up last quarter. The profits were down this quarter.
- The new product launch is scheduled for next month. The marketing campaign will begin next week.
Answer key:
- Prior to the movie starting, you should arrive at the theater at 6:45 pm.
- The preceding quarter, the company’s profits were up, but this quarter they were down.
- The marketing campaign will begin next week, preceding the new product launch next month.
By completing these exercises, you’ll be able to confidently use prior and preceding in your writing and speech.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “prior” and “preceding,” it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. “Prior” refers to something that comes before a specific event or time, while “preceding” refers to something that comes before in a more general sense.
It is important to use these words correctly in order to convey precise meaning in your writing. Using the wrong word can confuse readers and detract from the overall impact of your message.
Key Takeaways
- “Prior” and “preceding” are not interchangeable
- “Prior” refers to something that comes before a specific event or time
- “Preceding” refers to something that comes before in a more general sense
- Using these words correctly is important for clear communication
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your writing skills and effectively convey your message to your audience. Remember to always strive for accuracy and precision in your writing.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.