"precursor to" vs "precursor of"

Question

"precursor to" vs "precursor of"

Both 'precursor to' and 'precursor of' are commonly used in English, but 'precursor to' is more frequently used. They are both correct and can be used interchangeably in most cases.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate something that comes before and leads to the development of something else.

Examples:

The discovery of penicillin was a precursor to the development of modern antibiotics.
The invention of the printing press was a precursor to the spread of knowledge.
His success in the local elections was a precursor to his national political career.
The economic crisis was a precursor to major social changes.
The fall of the Berlin Wall was a precursor to the reunification of Germany.

Alternatives:

precursor of

This phrase is used to indicate something that precedes and leads to the development of something else.

Examples:

The collapse of the Roman Empire was a precursor of the Dark Ages.
The failure of the project was a precursor of the company's bankruptcy.
The early signs of the disease are precursors of more serious symptoms.
The protests were precursors of the revolution.
The artist's early works were precursors of his later masterpieces.

Alternatives:

precursor to

Answer 1

precursor to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

precursor of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"precursor to" vs "precursor of"

precursor to

precursor of

Related Comparisons