* Simple: The storm preceded a period of calm weather.
* Formal: The king's arrival preceded a grand procession through the city.
* With a Noun: The opening act preceded the main performance.
* With a Verb: A period of silence preceded the deafening roar of the crowd.
* With an Adverb: The announcement preceded the meeting by a few minutes.
* With a Clause: The fireworks display preceded the end of the festival, leaving a vibrant trail of colors in the night sky.
Remember: "Precede" means to come before something else in time or order.