What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
previous
Example
I had met him on a previous occasion. [previous: adjective]
Example
The previous owners of the house left some furniture behind. [previous: adjective]
Example
She finished her previous task before starting a new one. [previous: adjective]
antecedent
Example
The antecedent of the pronoun 'he' is John. [antecedent: noun]
Example
Her antecedents were all farmers from the Midwest. [antecedents: plural noun]
Example
The antecedent events led to the current situation. [antecedent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Previous is more common than antecedent in everyday language, and is used in a wide range of contexts. Antecedent is more technical and formal, and is typically used in academic or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between previous and antecedent?
Antecedent is more formal than previous, and is often used in technical or academic writing. Previous is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
