But previously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "But previously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that happened or was stated before the current point in time or discussion. Example: "But previously, we had agreed on a different timeline for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But previously, I'd only seen photos, reproductions.

The Guardian

But previously you worked in banking, where there is a very different culture.

The Guardian

But previously he had met Heidy Garcia Rios, a 21-year-old dancer, while in Cuba.

Independent

But previously it would have nothing to do with open source at all.

The Economist

But previously well-credentialed hipster enclaves are now "Brooklynizing" as well.

The New York Times

But previously there wasn't a good way for local stakeholders to communicate with architects: they didn't speak the same language.

The Guardian - Tech

But previously, the only cases confirmed in the capital were among people who had traveled from areas already affected.

The New York Times

But previously, Google didn't pick up on them.

TechCrunch

But previously there weren't very many tools for keeping track of different users.

TechCrunch

But previously banned sites are now quietly being let back on to Digg, and people are noticing.

TechCrunch

But previously I think it would have been a cost-effective clinic to run.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "But previously" to introduce a contrasting fact or situation that existed before the current one being discussed. It helps to highlight a change or evolution over time.

Common error

Avoid using future tenses immediately after "but previously". The phrase refers to a past state, so ensure the subsequent verb reflects that past time frame.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "But previously" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas while indicating a temporal sequence. It introduces information that happened or was true before the current statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and understandable English expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "But previously" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to introduce a contrast by referring to a past state or event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news and media sources and science-related content. When using this phrase, ensure the subsequent verb tenses align with the past timeframe being referenced. For alternatives, consider options like "prior to this" or "formerly, however" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

However, before

Emphasizes a contrast with what follows, while still indicating a prior time.

Prior to this

A more formal and direct way of indicating something happened before the current subject.

Beforehand, though

Highlights the temporal sequence with a touch of informality and concession.

In the past, however

Directly states the past occurrence with an added contrast.

Earlier, nevertheless

Similar to "However, before", but uses different synonyms for emphasis.

Up until now, though

Indicates a change from the past to the present moment.

Formerly, however

Formally indicates a previous state or condition that is no longer true.

At one time, yet

Highlights that something was true at a certain point in the past, but not necessarily now.

Before that time, though

Specifies a point in the past before another event occurred, with a contrast.

Previously, even so

Reiterates the initial term "Previously" with a slightly different contrasting conjunction.

FAQs

How can I use "But previously" in a sentence?

You can use "But previously" to introduce a fact that contrasts with the current situation. For example, "The company struggled last year, "but previously" it had been highly profitable".

What's a more formal alternative to "But previously"?

A more formal alternative would be "Prior to this" or "Formerly, however", which add a higher degree of formality to your writing.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "But previously"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "But previously". The "but" serves as a conjunction, and "previously" indicates a time before the current point. For example, "But previously, the team had a different strategy".

How does "But previously" differ from "However, previously"?

"But previously" emphasizes a contrast in addition to indicating a prior time, while "However, previously" primarily introduces a contrast. The subtle difference lies in the strength of the conjunction's implication.