Check your past usage: Previous vs. Prior

"It's none of their business that you... "To give an artist leisure is actuall...

Check your past usage: Previous vs. Prior

Before deciding which of these two words to use, you��ll want to read this article. You may find that your earlier uses of this pair were correct!

Previous is an adjective that means ��earlier,�� as in A brilliant light appeared in the sky just as it had the previous night.

Prior also is an adjective that means ��earlier,�� as in The president��s proposal is much less problematic than his prior calls to action.

Previous and prior are synonyms and can be used interchangeably. There is a small but vital distinction before them, however: Previous has an adverb form, previously, that can mean ��before,�� such as The FBI had previously investigated the man now accused of terrorism. ��Before�� is similar but slightly different than ��earlier�� in meaning. Prior does not have an adverb form.

So, if you intend to mean ��earlier�� and use it as an adjective in sentence, you can go with either previous or prior (Previous is slightly more common.). If you mean ��before,�� go with previously.

Professional Book Editor: Having your novel, short story or nonfiction manuscript proofread or edited before submitting it can prove invaluable. In an economic climate where you face heavy competition, your writing needs a second eye to give you the edge. I can provide that second eye.

<A HREF=��http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widg... Widgets</A>