What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
past
Example
I regret some of the things I did in the past. [past: noun]
Example
She used to work as a teacher in the past. [past: adverb]
previous
Example
I had a previous appointment, so I couldn't make it to the meeting. [previous: adjective]
Example
The previous chapter discussed the history of the company. [previous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Past is more commonly used than previous in everyday language. Past is a common word that is used in various contexts, while previous is less common and often used in formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between past and previous?
Previous is more formal than past. While past can be used in both formal and informal contexts, previous is primarily used in academic or professional settings.
