I previously held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I previously held" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a past position or role that you occupied before your current one. Example: "In my last job, I previously held the position of project manager, where I led several successful initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Once done, I realized those beliefs I previously held about myself were actually "in place" long before I became involved with him.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Once I let go of the fears and insecurities I had previously held around relationships, I was granted a fresh perspective on what it meant to be with someone.

The Guardian - Opinion

I might still be espousing the bizarrely reactionary beliefs I had previously held (which wouldn't be pretty).

The Guardian - Opinion

After I'd been discharged from hospital, my depression was compounded by celebrities I had previously held in high regard making jokes at my expense in an attempt to profit from my misfortune.

Vice

In fact, this exchange was one of the instrumental reasons I did decide to become a blogger -- the idea that discussions which I'd previously held over email or bulletin boards could be a lot more interesting in a lot bigger online realm.

Huffington Post

Is the yak milk stored in containers that might have previously held meat?

The New Yorker

Services were previously held.

The New York Times

It confirmed their previously held beliefs.

The Guardian - Opinion

He previously held the job in Montreal and Florida.

The New York Times - Sports

Tampa has previously held the Super Bowl.

The New York Times - Sports

Société Générale previously held a 20percentt stake.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I previously held", ensure that the context clearly indicates what was held and why it is relevant to the current discussion. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is performing the action. Instead of "The position was previously held by me", use "I previously held the position" for a more direct and active voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I previously held" functions as a declarative statement indicating a past state of possession or occupancy. It is commonly used to provide background information or context about one's prior experiences or roles, as supported by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I previously held" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a past possession, role, or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is broadly accepted and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "I formerly possessed" or "I used to occupy" exist, they subtly alter the tone or emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what was held and why it matters to the current context. Common errors involve overuse of the passive voice, which should be avoided for more direct communication. Ludwig's examples provide valuable insights into its real-world application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I previously maintained

Similar to 'once maintained' but keeps 'previously' for emphasis on time.

I formerly possessed

Replaces "previously held" with synonyms for a more formal tone.

I at one time possessed

Uses 'at one time' to emphasize the temporal aspect of the possession.

I previously had

Simplifies the structure to just indicate prior possession.

I once maintained

Uses "maintained" to suggest a role or position was actively kept.

I used to occupy

Employs "occupy" to refer to a position or space that was held before.

I formerly owned

Focuses on the aspect of ownership rather than just holding.

I had in the past

Restructures the sentence to emphasize the past possession without specific action.

I once had responsibility for

Indicates prior possession of responsibilities rather than physical objects.

Earlier, I was in charge of

Specifies a position of responsibility held in the past, emphasizing leadership.

FAQs

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

Use "I previously held" to refer to a role, position, belief, or object you possessed or maintained at an earlier time. For example: "I previously held the position of Marketing Director before becoming CEO."

What are some alternatives to "I previously held"?

You can use alternatives like "I formerly possessed", "I once maintained", or "I used to occupy" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "The position was previously held by me"?

While grammatically correct, it's often better to use the active voice: "I previously held the position." This makes the sentence more direct and engaging.

What is the difference between "I previously held" and "I formerly held"?

Both phrases are similar, but "formerly" often implies a more official or significant past role compared to "previously". "I formerly held" might be used for higher-level positions, while "I previously held" can apply to a wider range of situations.