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noun Parliamentary Procedure.

a move that a vote be taken at once on a main question, used especially as a means of cutting off further debate.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of previous question

First recorded in 1690–1700

Words nearby previous question

preview, preview monitor, Previn, previous, previously, previous question, previse, prevision, prevocalic, prevocational, Prévost

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use previous question in a sentence

In addition to addressing the opportunity gap that I mentioned in the previous question, my top priority would be to restore trust in our public schools.
Alexandria school board race: Meet the candidates running in each district|Hannah Natanson|October 16, 2021|Washington Post
Maybe that’s what I would say to answer your previous question—I’d like to redact my answer and say that I would describe my sense of humor as pornographic.
Comedian Patti Harrison Has Her First Leading Role—But She’s Not Looking to Stop Goofing Around|Suyin Haynes|May 14, 2021|Time
It just hit me your previous question was sort of a backhanded compliment.
Feeling Good About Yourself?|A.J. Jacobs|April 23, 2010|DAILY BEAST
The general feeling was such that the previous question was carried without a division.
The History of England from the Accession of James II.|Thomas Babington Macaulay

On a division the previous question was carried by a large majority; and the original motion being put, was negatived.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III.|E. Farr and E. H. Nolan
On this ground the previous question was moved and carried by 193 to 146, the largest minority in the present session.
Fox's Book of Martyrs|John Foxe
I therefore call for the previous question and ask that the election of officers proceed.
Proceedings of the Second National Conservation Congress|Various
Mr Ross—I was recognized by the Chair and the previous question has not yet been voted upon.
Proceedings of the Second National Conservation Congress|Various

British Dictionary definitions for previous question

previous question

noun

(in the House of Commons) a motion to drop the present topic under debate, put in order to prevent a vote

(in the House of Lords and US legislative bodies) a motion to vote on a bill or other question without delay