precursors vs preceding part

Both 'precursors' and 'preceding part' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Precursors' refers to things that come before and influence the development of something, while 'preceding part' refers to a specific section or portion that comes before another part.

Last updated: March 31, 2024

precursors

The term 'precursors' is correct and commonly used in English to refer to things that come before and influence the development of something.

Use 'precursors' when referring to things that precede and have an impact on the development of something, such as precursor molecules in a chemical reaction or precursor events in history.

Examples:

The discovery of X-rays was a precursor to the development of medical imaging techniques.
Early signs of economic downturn can be seen as precursors of a recession.

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The chemical precursors and the synthetic routes used to manufacture 4,4'-DMAR are unknown.
Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein that stimulates the formation of erythrocytes from precursors of the stem cell compartment.
Various transactions in respect of explosives precursors might be regarded as suspicious and therefore reportable.
A legislative framework to address the dangers associated with precursors should be developed.
Crimes linked to trafficking in drugs and precursors
But animals, as we know, are often precursors to the paranormal.
Moreover, since 1993 we have provided technical assistance through Phare, not least for the control of chemical precursors.
I would propose a legislative framework to address the dangers associated with precursors which can be used to fabricate improvised explosive devices.
Every year, 65,000 diabetics develop Proliferative Retinopathy, one of the leading precursors to blindness.
The Parties shall cooperate to prevent the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and the diversion of chemical precursors.
While, as ozone precursors, nitrogen oxides are one of the main causes of summer smog, particulates cause respiratory diseases and are suspected of being carcinogenic.
In particular, fine particulates produced directly through combustion processes and indirectly through reaction with gaseous precursors penetrate deep into the lungs.
(13a) Because the manufacture of precursors includes a significant volume in non-accession Eastern European countries, close liaison is desirable with the Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe.
(i) the chemical precursors,
History has demonstrated that anti-Communism and the persecution of Communists are invariably the precursors of a general assault on working people, democratic rights and popular freedoms.
Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein that stimulates, as a mitosis-stimulating factor and differentiating hormone, the formation of erythrocytes from precursors of the stem cell compartment.
(b) - information on the chemical precursors,
Filgrastim acts primarily on neutrophil precursors to exert its effect in elevating neutrophil counts.
Some Member States have already adopted laws, regulations and administrative provisions regarding the placing on the market, making available and possession of certain explosives precursors.
Restricted explosives precursors shall not be made available to, or introduced, possessed or used by, members of the general public.

Alternatives:

forerunners
antecedents
predecessors
harbingers

preceding part

The term 'preceding part' is correct and can be used to refer to a specific section or portion that comes before another part.

Use 'preceding part' when you want to specifically refer to a part of something that comes before another part, such as the preceding part of a document or the preceding part of a process.