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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
has previously done
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "has previously done" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to actions or experiences that someone has completed in the past before the current time or context. Example: "The candidate has previously done extensive research in the field of renewable energy."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
35 human-written examples
Zagat Survey has previously done business with a magazine publisher and one of its advertisers.
News & Media
Corbyn expects Labour MPs to do as he says, not as he has previously done.
News & Media
I don't make comments on security or intelligence issues, that would be breaking something that no government has previously done.
News & Media
Even the best parts of the book feel like diminished versions of what he has previously done more powerfully.
News & Media
Sky, HBO, Amazon, Netflix – on they go, sometimes doing what the BBC has previously done and with no loss of excellence.
News & Media
Of course, he didn't explicitly call for an end to the Defense of Marriage Act, or endorse same-sex marriage, as he has previously done.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
23 human-written examples
The two companies have previously done business together.
News & Media
This is how I've previously done it".
News & Media
Kroll confirmed last night that it had previously done work for the Kenyan government.
News & Media
It stops cities expanding, which had previously done so for centuries.
News & Media
A few scientists had previously done experiments that anticipated Hayes's work, but no one had observed such extreme effects.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "has previously done" to clearly indicate that an action or activity was completed before the current point in time or discussion. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a precise timeline for the reader.
Common error
Avoid constructing sentences where the subject isn't clear about who "has previously done" the action. Ensure the actor is clearly identified to maintain clarity and directness in your writing.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "has previously done" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action completed before the current time. Ludwig's examples show it modifies verbs, adding a temporal dimension to past actions.
Frequent in
News & Media
88%
Science
6%
Formal & Business
3%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "has previously done" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that an action has been completed before the present time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, it leans toward a neutral to professional register, suggesting that in highly formal scenarios, more sophisticated alternatives might be preferred. Remember to maintain clarity by explicitly identifying who performed the action to avoid passive voice ambiguity.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
did before
This alternative replaces the formal "has previously done" with a simpler construction. It's less formal.
completed earlier
This phrase substitutes "done" with "completed" and uses "earlier" to indicate prior action. It's more specific about completion.
undertook previously
Replaces "done" with "undertook", suggesting a more formal or significant action. It retains the sense of a prior activity.
performed in the past
This alternative uses "performed" instead of "done" and "in the past" to specify the timing, emphasizing a completed action.
engaged in before
This suggests involvement in a particular activity at an earlier time. It's slightly more formal and emphasizes participation.
executed previously
This implies a deliberate or planned action that was carried out earlier. It is more formal than "has previously done".
handled prior to this
Focuses on the management or handling of something before the current situation. It suggests a task or responsibility.
taken care of earlier
Implies that something was managed or resolved before the current time. It's more informal and conversational.
addressed in the past
This suggests that a specific issue or matter was dealt with at an earlier time. It's more formal and specific.
previously accomplished
Replaces "done" with "accomplished", highlighting success or completion of an action in the past. It adds an element of achievement.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "has previously done" to sound less formal?
You can use alternatives like "did before", "already did", or "done before" to achieve a more casual tone.
Is "has previously done" appropriate for formal writing?
Yes, "has previously done" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider more sophisticated synonyms like "undertook previously" or "accomplished earlier" for added precision and impact.
What's the difference between "has previously done" and "did before"?
"Has previously done" is more formal and emphasizes the completion of the action before the current time. "Did before" is simpler and more conversational, suitable for informal contexts.
How to use "has previously done" in a sentence?
You can construct sentences like: "The company "has previously done" business with that supplier." or "She "has previously done" extensive research on this topic".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested