as previously thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as previously thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an idea or belief that was held before but may have changed or been challenged. Example: "The results of the new study indicate that the effects of the drug are different from what was understood as previously thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems unlikely that these cells migrate in from the neural crest, as previously thought.

Gut

From peak to trough, the economy shrunk not by 6.3%, as previously thought, but by 7.2%.

The Guardian

And consumer confidence might not be quite as strong as previously thought.

The New York Times

The study also suggested that such infections might be twice as common as previously thought.

The New York Times

It expects them to be 4% lower, rather than flat as previously thought.

The Guardian - Business

That discovery also proved bacteria doesn't simply appear spontaneously, as previously thought.

Independent

The small coronary arteries anastomose (interconnect) and are not, as previously thought, end arteries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Fox's comments suggest the film-making team may not be as sensitive to fans' concerns as previously thought.

The Guardian - Film

The study confirms that forward thinking is adaptive in both sexes and not unique to humans, as previously thought.

The Guardian

The yen fell on concern that Japan's economic rebound may not be as strong as previously thought.

The New York Times

However, the Swedish government is selling only around 20% of Telia, not up to 35% as previously thought.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as previously thought" to introduce a contrast between a past belief and a current understanding, adding impact to the new information.

Common error

Avoid using "as previously thought" simply to add weight to a statement; ensure it genuinely contrasts with a superseded idea for the phrase to be effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as previously thought" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a statement to indicate that the information presented contrasts with a prior belief or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to introduce a shift in perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as previously thought" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase. As Ludwig AI points out, its primary function is to signal a contrast between prior beliefs and current understanding. Appearing most often in scientific and news contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. When using this phrase, remember to ensure a genuine contrast is present to maximize its impact. If you are looking for alternative options, you may consider alternatives such as "as once believed" or "contrary to prior assumptions".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as once believed

Focuses on past belief without necessarily implying a formal thought process.

as was formerly understood

Highlights a prior state of understanding that is no longer current.

contrary to prior assumptions

Emphasizes the discrepancy between current findings and previous assumptions.

in contrast to earlier notions

Presents a shift from earlier ideas or concepts.

unlike what was initially supposed

Indicates an initial supposition that has been proven incorrect.

reversing earlier expectations

Highlights a direct reversal of previous expectations.

deviating from established wisdom

Suggests a departure from commonly accepted knowledge.

contrary to established knowledge

Indicates new information that differs from established understanding.

as initially hypothesized

Specifically relates to scientific or research contexts where hypotheses are tested.

not as originally conceived

Highlights a change in how something was initially designed or planned.

FAQs

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

You can use "as previously thought" to introduce new information that contradicts an earlier understanding. For example, "The planet's size is larger than "as previously thought"".

What are some alternatives to "as previously thought"?

Alternatives include "as once believed", "contrary to prior assumptions", or "unlike what was initially supposed", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what was "previously thought"?

While not always mandatory, specifying what was "previously thought" provides clarity and strengthens the contrast, making your statement more impactful and informative.

When is it appropriate to use "as previously thought" in academic writing?

It's appropriate in academic writing to highlight how new research challenges or revises established theories or findings. It adds a layer of critical analysis to your work.