“Precedence” or “Precedent”: Learn the Difference
- Writing my dissertation has taken precedence over everything else.
A precedent refers to “an earlier occurrence of something that becomes the example or standard for similar situations in the future.”
- She had established a precedent, and everyone else wanted to follow suit, fearing being left behind.
What Does “Precedence” Mean?
Precedence is a noun that refers to “the condition or quality of being considered more important than somebody or something else.” In other words, precedence is an indication of a higher priority. For example, your younger brother might argue that his birthday party takes precedence over everything, regardless of how expensive it is.
Precedence:
How To Use “Precedence” in a Sentence
The word precedence is often accompanied by the verb take and any of its forms.
However, the use of the word take is not necessary. Below, you’ll find more example sentences that contain the word precedence.
What Does “Precedent” Mean?
It’s no wonder that people often mistakenly use precedent in place of precedence. After all, the two words become homophones—in other words, they have identical pronunciations—when one pluralizes precedent by adding an “-s.”
Precedent:
Precedents:
However, precedent carries its own distinct meaning. It’s a noun that refers to “an earlier occurrence of something similar (like an action, decision, or event) that becomes an example that guides subsequent similar circumstances.” If you set a precedent for your dog and sneak him bits of food while you’re having dinner, he’ll know to wait by your side as you eat and will do so for the rest of his life.
How To Use “Precedent” in a Sentence
The word precedent is regularly found in legal contexts. A legal precedent is a previous court decision used as a reference point in deciding the judgment for future similar cases.
In political settings, a precedent is a past action or decision by government officials that influences how similar situations are handled in the future.
The term precedent can also be used in a broader social context to refer to established customs, traditions, or behaviors that influence how people in a society act or make decisions.
Here are a few more example sentences that contain the word precedent:
How To Use “Precedence” and “Precedents” Correctly in Your Writing
Remember: precedence has to do with priority, while precedents entail past events that influence future ones.
When it comes to writing, proper spelling and grammar take precedence over everything else. If your text is riddled with errors, the message is weakened, regardless of how truthful and powerful it is.
An easy way to avoid using these words incorrectly is to utilize LanguageTool as your spell and grammar checker. This multilingual writing assistant corrects various errors and enhances style by ensuring optimal word choice.
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