Previously regarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Previously regarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that was considered or viewed in a certain way in the past. Example: "The theory was previously regarded as the most accurate explanation of the phenomenon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Previously regarded as above reproach, even he may yet be tarnished.

The Guardian - Sport

Previously regarded as a cinephile's backwater, the New York film festival caught experts by surprise with the strength of this year's line-up.

The Guardian - Film

Previously regarded as an economic and environmental liability for mountain communities, pastoralism is now considered a form of 'High Nature Value' (HNV) farming by the European Commission.

Pastoralism

Kids who've previously regarded theatres as either intimidating or irrelevant have clamoured to go back.

The Guardian

Extremism flourishes and ideas previously regarded as outlandish get a hearing.

The New Yorker

This approach has recently mediated encouraging clinical responses in patients with cancers previously regarded as incurable.

Molecular Oncology

This lively and innovative work treats a body of literature not previously regarded as a unified genre.

Cornell University

I generally pride myself on reading classical literature, and nonfiction, not what I previously regarded as a "romcom" book.

The Guardian

Michael Klein, Citigroup's head of investment banking and previously regarded as a potential chief executive, also departed.

The Guardian - Business

Legislators have passed a handful of laws to confront a crisis they previously regarded principally as a criminal issue.

The Guardian

Ministers will now have the power to revoke the royal charters of many older universities previously regarded as near-inalienable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previously regarded", ensure that the context provides a clear contrast between the past and present views. This emphasizes the significance of the transformation.

Common error

Avoid using "previously regarded" when the timeframe isn't clearly defined. Ensure that the 'previous' period is evident to the reader to prevent confusion about when the view was held.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously regarded" typically functions as part of a predicate, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a past assessment or perception. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts to denote changed viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previously regarded" serves to highlight a shift in perspective, indicating that something once viewed in a particular way is now understood differently. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. As a common phrase appearing often in News & Media and Scientific sources, "previously regarded" provides a valuable tool for emphasizing transformations and evolving viewpoints. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides a clear comparison between past and present views for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Formerly considered

Emphasizes a past assessment or classification that has since changed.

Once believed to be

Highlights a prior conviction or understanding that is no longer held.

Previously thought of as

Focuses on a past perception or impression.

Used to be considered

Indicates a former classification or viewpoint.

In the past, regarded as

Adds a temporal marker to emphasize the change in perspective.

Heretofore viewed as

A more formal way to indicate a prior perspective.

Historically seen as

Highlights how something was perceived over a period of time.

At one time considered

Emphasizes that the consideration was specific to a point in the past.

What was formerly known as

Suited for redefining concepts or entities that have undergone a change in name or identity.

Once held in the estimation of

A highly formal option that conveys a past judgment or evaluation.

FAQs

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

Use "previously regarded" to highlight a shift in perception or status. For example, "The area, "previously regarded" as unsafe, is now a thriving community".

What's a simpler way to say "previously regarded"?

Alternatives include "formerly considered", "once believed", or "used to be considered". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "formerly regarded" instead of "previously regarded"?

Yes, "formerly regarded" is a valid and often interchangeable alternative to "previously regarded". Both indicate something was viewed a certain way in the past.

Can "previously regarded" apply to objects as well as ideas?

Yes, "previously regarded" can apply to both. You can say "This technique, "previously regarded" as experimental, is now standard practice", or "The artifact, "previously regarded" as unimportant, turned out to be a key historical find".