as previously believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as previously believed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a prior assumption or understanding that has since been challenged or changed. Example: "The results of the study indicate that the effects of the drug are not as previously believed, leading to a reevaluation of its efficacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not, as previously believed, a size 14.

The Guardian - Opinion

These results indicate that the slowed warming of average global surface temperature is not as significant as previously believed.

The Guardian

Research published last week suggested mosquito nets were not as effective as previously believed, although other scientists have challenged this.

Independent

He said passengers still had reason to be angry, even if the overcharging was not as widespread as previously believed.

The New York Times

According to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, it may not be as rare as previously believed.

Independent

The interior ministry released a statement on Thursday amid press reports that Neruda might not have died of cancer as previously believed.

The Guardian - Books

The saturated fats found in meat and dairy produce are not as bad for health as previously believed, a study has found.

Independent

He was surprised to find that most salmon do not die as they leave the river and enter the sea, as previously believed.

The Economist

The bomb which brought down the Russian plane over Sinai was placed in the main cabin, not the luggage hold as previously believed, it has been reported.

Independent

"The staff welcomes this as very good news, as it's one indication that the event may not have been as serious as previously believed for Unit 4".

The New York Times

The network grew just 3percentt in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the same time last year, raising doubts about whether or not the company could grow as fast as previously believed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as previously believed" to clearly indicate a shift in understanding, especially when presenting new findings or correcting misconceptions. This phrase signals that the information being presented represents an updated perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "as previously believed" without clearly stating what was previously believed. Always provide enough context to ensure the reader understands the original misconception and the new understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as previously believed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a statement to indicate a change in understanding or perception. It often introduces a contrast between a past belief and a current understanding, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

53%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as previously believed" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates a shift in understanding or perception. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, scientific, and academic contexts. It serves to highlight a contrast between past assumptions and current knowledge. While versatile, it's crucial to provide adequate context to ensure clarity and prevent ambiguity. Alternatives like "contrary to prior belief" or "as was formerly thought" can be used to vary the tone or emphasis. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively use "as previously believed" to convey updated information and revise prior understandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as was formerly thought

Replaces "believed" with "thought" and uses "formerly" instead of "previously", slightly altering the emphasis on time.

contrary to prior belief

Uses a more formal tone and highlights the contradiction between the current understanding and the earlier belief.

in contrast to what was once assumed

Emphasizes the contrast and replaces "believed" with "assumed", suggesting a lack of concrete evidence for the initial idea.

unlike the original understanding

Focuses on the shift from an original, perhaps foundational, understanding.

different from what people thought before

Simplifies the language for a more accessible tone, replacing technical terms with common words.

not as it was imagined before

Uses "imagined" to suggest the previous idea was speculative or based on incomplete data.

reversing earlier assumptions

Highlights the act of actively reversing an earlier, foundational assumption.

a departure from former assumptions

Emphasizes a significant shift or deviation from established or previous assumptions.

moving away from previously held notions

Stresses a gradual change in thinking, indicating a move away from outdated concepts.

challenging initial preconceptions

Highlights the active questioning and potential invalidation of previously formed, often biased, ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "as previously believed" in a sentence?

You can use "as previously believed" to introduce a revised understanding of a topic. For example, "The planet's atmosphere is denser than "as previously believed", which changes our models of its climate."

What are some alternatives to "as previously believed"?

Alternatives include "contrary to prior belief", "as was formerly thought", or "in contrast to what was once assumed". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what was previously believed when using "as previously believed"?

While not always grammatically required, explicitly stating the prior belief enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity. Providing this context ensures that your audience understands the shift in understanding you're highlighting.

What's the difference between "as previously believed" and "as previously assumed"?

"Believed" implies a level of conviction or acceptance, while "assumed" suggests something was taken for granted without firm evidence. Using "as previously assumed" might be more appropriate when the prior understanding was speculative.