What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
previous
Example
I saw her at the party the previous night. [previous: adjective]
Example
He had no previous experience in this field. [previous: noun]
Example
The previous manager left the company last year. [previous: adjective]
prior
Example
Please let me know prior to your arrival. [prior: preposition]
Example
She had prior knowledge of the subject. [prior: adjective]
Example
The prior CEO retired last month. [prior: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Previous is more commonly used than prior in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between previous and prior?
Prior is considered more formal than previous.
