Of or on? previous or prior?

Question

I am not sure , which is the differente between prior or previous?  And consist on or of? The book consist of /on a compilation of articles.

Buggah · Accepted Answer

According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, when to consist means to lie, to reside, it's usually followed by 'in', and when it means to be composed or made up, which is the case, it's followed by 'of'.
So, the correct, in this case, would be: The book consists of a compilation of articles.

I've found a slight difference between prior and previous. But I have seen them being used interchangeably around the web. To me, prior means earlier in time and previous usually means to be the one before in time or order. I may be wrong about this.

He talked about it in his previous book. (the one before the last)
He talked about it in a prior book. (you don't know which book)

Anonymous · Answer

The difference between 'his previous book' and 'a prior book' comes about because of the use of 'a'. That is, 'his prior book' would mean the same.

To me, the difference is that 'prior' refers to something IMMEDIATELY BEFORE, whereas 'previous' is ANY TIME BEFORE.

Anonymous · Answer

buggahHe talked about it in his previous book. (the one before the last) He talked about it in a prior book. (you don't know which book)

The difference in meaning here is not achieved by the different adjective (previous/prior) but by the different article. "His previous book' or (implied) 'the previous book' vs 'a previous book'. Prior and previous can still be interchanged.

Of or on? previous or prior?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions