any previously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "any previously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has occurred or been mentioned before in a general sense. Example: "Please disregard any previously submitted documents that are outdated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shoppers also come seeking just about any previously banned book, an interest not lost on publishers.

The New York Times

Some advocates said the rules were still more significant than any previously imposed.

The New York Times

"[The] order is more powerful and more expansive than any previously suggested".

The Guardian - Tech

The presidential election, only six months away, is more open than any previously.

The Guardian

The new fossils are 220 million years older than any previously discovered.

The Guardian

If a patient lacks capacity, any previously expressed wishes should be considered,says the guidance.

The Guardian

"Today's order is more powerful and more expansive than any previously suggested".

The Guardian - Tech

This ship, larger than any previously built, was a forerunner of today's ocean liners.

The New Yorker

Nonetheless, "Iceland's Bell" calls for more extensive notes than any previously translated Laxness book.

The New York Times - Books

In July and August, foreigners were net sellers of $64 billion of such securities, an outflow unlike any previously seen.

The New York Times

"It's understandable that any previously marginalized group would want to find models in history," Professor Longmore said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "any previously" to clearly indicate that you are referring to something that happened or existed before the current point of reference. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "any previously" in situations where a simpler term like "before" or "earlier" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "any previously" functions as a determiner and adverbial modifier. It specifies that the noun it modifies has occurred or existed at some time in the past. As affirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "any previously" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates a prior occurrence or existence. As noted by Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English. While its register leans towards neutral and formal, it appears across a range of contexts, particularly in science and news media. For alternatives, consider options like "any prior" or "any earlier", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. When writing, be mindful of potential overuse in simple sentences where shorter alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

any prior

Replaces "previously" with "prior", emphasizing a temporal order or precedence.

any earlier

Substitutes "previously" with "earlier", highlighting the aspect of time and relative sequence.

any former

Uses "former" instead of "previously", suggesting something that existed in the past but no longer does.

any preceding

Employs "preceding" in place of "previously", indicating something that comes before in a sequence or order.

any existing beforehand

Rephrases the idea using "existing beforehand", explicitly stating that something existed before the current instance.

any historically

Replaces "previously" with "historically", useful when the context is historical or relates to past events.

any in the past

Simple substitution emphasizing past existence or occurrence.

any already

Utilizes "already" instead of "previously", highlighting that something was done before now.

any up until now

Implies a cutoff point, suggesting that whatever is being discussed was true up to the present moment.

any hitherto

A more formal alternative to "previously", indicating something known or done up to this point.

FAQs

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

Use "any previously" to refer to something that has occurred or existed before. For example, "Please disregard "any previously submitted documents" that are outdated."

What phrases can I use instead of "any previously"?

Alternatives include "any prior", "any earlier", or "any former" depending on the context. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "any previously"?

While grammatically correct, "any previously" can sometimes sound overly formal. In simple sentences, consider using alternatives like "before" or "earlier" for a more natural tone.

What is the difference between "any previously" and "any prior"?

While both phrases indicate something that came before, "any prior" may be preferred when emphasizing temporal order or precedence, whereas "any previously" is a more general reference to past occurrences.