Precedent vs. Precedence

Precedent vs. Precedence Precedent vs. Precedence Precedent vs. Precedence By Maeve Maddox A passage in a newspaper article prompted this email from a reader: Im grimacing at a Virginia newspaper passage:the first paid event held at the commons area, which might set precedence for future events I assume the author is not saying that this might make the future events come first. Please discuss the difference between precedents and precedence. The similarity of pronunciation is perhaps one cause of confusion between precedents [PRES-ih-dents] and precedence [PRES-ih-dence], but the error also occurs with precedence and singular precedent. The words are closely related in origin and meaning. Among the meanings of Latin praecÄ“dÄ“ns are â€Å"a person who goes in front,† â€Å"a person who ranks above,† and â€Å"a prior event.† The noun precedence may have originated as an erroneous spelling of the plural of precedent, but it has acquired a distinct meaning of its own. Precedence means, â€Å"the fact of being above or ahead of another or others in order, rank, or importance.† A common idiom is â€Å"to take precedence,† meaning â€Å"to enjoy the right of preceding others in ceremonies and social formalities.† A site on diplomatic protocol for the country of Saint Lucia provides an example of this usage: The Prime Minister, like the Governor-General, as the Head of Government, is entitled to certain privileges and courtesies.   He/she has the right of precedence in all circumstances, except when the Governor-General is in attendance. Things as well as people may â€Å"take precedence† in the sense of being esteemed above something else. An example of this use occurs in a speech by a prime minister of Singapore: For a religious person, conscience and religious conviction take precedence over the laws of the state, but in a multi-religious society like ours, it becomes crucial to keep religion strictly separate from politics. A precedent is â€Å"a previous instance taken as an example or rule by which to be guided in similar cases or circumstances.† A common idiom is â€Å"to set a precedent.† In a legal context, a precedent is a judicial decision that constitutes an authoritative example for subsequent similar cases. For example: â€Å"Griswold v. Connecticut  served as an important precedent in the Roe v. Wade  decision.† Here, with corrections, are some typical errors in the use of precedence for precedent: INCORRECT: A court ruling expected soon- stemming from public access to pretrial information in the William Cruse murder case- may set a precedence in what can be reported in criminal cases before trials. CORRECT : A court ruling expected soon- stemming from public access to pretrial information in the William Cruse murder case- may set a precedent in what can be reported in criminal cases before trials. INCORRECT: If the studio achieves anywhere near the same amount of success theyve seen with Cinderella, which has grossed nearly $160 million since its  March 13 release, it may set a precedence for more live-action flicks to come. CORRECT : If the studio achieves anywhere near the same amount of success theyve seen with Cinderella, which has grossed nearly $160 million since its  March 13 release, it may set a precedent for more live-action flicks to come. INCORRECT: The Kyoto Protocol has set  a significant precedence  for climate target negotiations in the future, and particularly with respect to differentiation of targets between  countries. CORRECT : The Kyoto Protocol has set  a significant precedent for climate target negotiations in the future, and particularly with respect to differentiation of targets between  countries. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Comparative Forms of Adjectives5 Brainstorming Strategies for WritersBail Out vs. Bale Out