historically used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "historically used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing practices, terms, or items that have been utilized in the past over a significant period of time. Example: "The term 'sustainable development' has been historically used to describe practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Historically used for medical imaging, ultrasound (US) has recently been shown to be capable of noninvasively stimulating brain activity.

Nature

Few hospitals have historically used data to define clinical practices.

Harvard Business Review

Medicare has historically used a fee schedule to pay suppliers.

The New York Times - Health

Many RCM designs were historically used for the latter purpose.

Fuel

It was a different kind of skill from the kind we had historically used.

The New Yorker

The gorget was an instrument historically used for the removal of stones from the bladder.

Britannica

The federal law forbids insurers to consider many factors historically used in setting rates.

The New York Times - Health

Moreover the coastal aquifer historically used in Tripoli was becoming contaminated and its salinity was increasing.

The Economist

Coleus forskohlii (CF) is a south Asian herb that has been historically used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Personalized Medicine Universe

The chapter includes many of the charts and graphs that have been historically used.

Standard Handbook of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering

Race, many sociologists and anthropologists have argued for decades, is a social invention historically used to justify prejudice and persecution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "historically used", ensure the context clearly establishes the historical period or timeframe being referenced. Providing specific dates or events can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "historically used" when referring to very recent or short-lived trends. Reserve it for practices or items with a significant history to avoid misleading readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "historically used" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a passive verb phrase. It specifies that the subject was employed or utilized in the past. As seen in Ludwig, this construction is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "historically used" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to denote past utilization, providing crucial context in various domains like science, news, and business. The phrase's register ranges from neutral to formal, aligning with the precision often required in these contexts. While interchangeable alternatives exist, such as "previously employed" or "traditionally utilized", it’s essential to consider the specific nuances each conveys. A best practice involves providing a clear timeframe, while avoiding overgeneralization to recent trends is crucial for accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously employed

Focuses on prior use or application; emphasizes active utilization in the past.

traditionally utilized

Highlights conventional or long-established methods, often associated with cultural or customary practices.

formerly applied

Emphasizes a past state of being in use, suggesting a discontinuation of the practice.

in the past

A simple and direct way to refer to something done before; lacks the emphasis on ongoing tradition.

once practiced

Implies a custom or method that was followed at one time, now possibly obsolete.

conventionally used

Stresses adherence to established customs or norms in past usage.

formerly in practice

Similar to "formerly applied" but emphasizes the procedural aspect of the usage.

used to be

A common, less formal way of indicating past usage or existence.

of old

Refers to something from ancient times, often with a sense of nostalgia or historical distance.

in bygone days

Suggests a time long past, often associated with historical or cultural changes.

FAQs

How can I use "historically used" in a sentence?

You can use "historically used" to describe something that was employed in the past. For instance, "The term 'barter system' is historically used to describe pre-monetary exchange methods".

What's the difference between "traditionally used" and "historically used"?

"Traditionally used" often refers to practices rooted in culture or custom, whereas "historically used" is a broader term that simply indicates past usage, regardless of its cultural significance.

What are some alternatives to "historically used"?

Alternatives include "previously employed", "traditionally utilized", or "formerly applied", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "historically used" or should I use another phrase?

Yes, "historically used" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. According to Ludwig, it is a usable and correct phrase. However, you can choose alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey.