as it was previously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it was previously" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer back to a prior state or condition that existed before a change or modification. Example: "The document should be formatted as it was previously to maintain consistency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Morrisons goes even further, saying on its website that the deal is "better than half price" as it was previously £11.99.

The Guardian - Money

This prospect now seems as obvious as it was previously elusive.

The New York Times

It is also claimed that the plastic-zone analysis method is not as inefficient as it was previously believed.

Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation Proceedings of the International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation 2–4 April 2001, Cape Town, South Africa

Named upsalite, after the university, the creation is especially impressive as it was previously thought to be impossible.

The Guardian

"If it was at the same level as it was previously, we wouldn't be talking to you," he said.

The New Yorker

Rangoon University, as it was previously known, was the center of the country's struggle for independence against British rule.

The New York Times

The Olympic movement is again at risk, as it was previously over doping and corruption scandals, Worden said.

The New York Times - Sports

Even if better activities were obtained by doping the hexaaluminate samples by Pd, the Pd/BaAl12O19 strongly deactivated, as it was previously observed for the reference catalyst.

Catalysis Today

The question of whether media outlets ought to accept tobacco advertising has not been as much of a hot-button issue lately as it was previously.

The New York Times

The chart below contains a comparison of the data as it was previously reported, and the data as it was revised and updated on Tuesday.

The New York Times

As it was previously presented, we have employed a relational DB in our solution.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it was previously" to clearly connect a current state or understanding to a prior one, especially when explaining changes or updates. For example: "The software interface, as it was previously, required multiple steps for data entry."

Common error

Avoid using "as it was previously" without establishing what the previous state actually was. Ensure your audience has the necessary background information to understand the reference. Example: Instead of "The configuration, as it was previously, caused errors", specify "The configuration, as it was previously set to automatically update, caused errors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it was previously" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by providing information about a prior state or condition. It's used to establish a reference point in the past for comparison or contrast, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it was previously" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase to refer to a past state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to provide context and historical reference, particularly when discussing changes or updates. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the previous state is clear to your audience and that it adds meaningful context to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it formerly existed

Replaces "previously" with "formerly existed", emphasizing the past existence.

as it existed before

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the prior state.

in its prior condition

Focuses on the state or condition before a change.

in its original state

Highlights the initial or original condition.

as it had been

A more concise way of indicating a past state.

before the change

Directly refers to the period preceding an alteration.

in the past

Simplifies the reference to a prior time.

previously

A single-word adverb conveying the same meaning.

as it once was

Implies a sense of nostalgia or past glory.

in its earlier form

Emphasizes the shape or structure that existed before.

FAQs

How can I use "as it was previously" in a sentence?

Use "as it was previously" to refer to a past state or condition before a change. For example: "The data, as it was previously collected, showed different trends than the current analysis".

What are some alternatives to "as it was previously"?

You can use alternatives like "as it formerly existed", "in its original state", or simply "previously" depending on the context.

Is "as it was previously" formal or informal?

"As it was previously" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although more concise alternatives might be preferred in very informal contexts.

What's the difference between "as it was previously" and "as it is now"?

"As it was previously" refers to a past condition, while "as it is now" describes the current state. Using them together helps highlight a change or evolution. For instance, "The system, as it was previously, had limitations, but as it is now, it's much more efficient".