in previously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in previously" is not correct and usable in written English.
It seems to be a mistaken combination of words, as "previously" already conveys the idea of something that happened before. Example: "The results were discussed in previously held meetings." (This should be corrected to "in previously held meetings" or simply "in past meetings.")

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some, like David Cameron, have to rein in previously held liberal views when they gain power.

Vice

Leaks appear in previously impervious doctrines.

The Guardian - Books

Hundreds are written to correct defects in previously passed bills.

The New York Times

More than 15,000 civilians died in previously unknown incidents.

The Guardian

City's players struggled to adjust down in previously unexplored battlegrounds, and fans developed a detachment, too.

The Guardian - Sport

Thatcher's selling spree was predominantly of equity stakes in previously nationalised industries.

The Guardian - Business

Food critics were marveling over the rising appeal of trattorias in previously Francophile New York.

The New York Times - Food

This age of extravagant construction paradoxically saw a leap in previously unthinkable downmarket repurposing.

The Guardian

Entrepreneurs should research what stage funds have invested in previously, which you can do at Crunchbase.

The Guardian

(Another way in, previously reported, is through S.M.S. alerts sent by apps).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

* Asterisks indicate localities included in previously-published analyses [ 19].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "in previously". The word "previously" already implies something that happened before, so the preposition "in" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect. Use "previously" alone or rephrase the sentence.

Common error

Don't add extra words like "in" before "previously". For example, instead of writing "the methods used in previously published studies", write "the methods used in previously published studies" or, more simply, "the methods used in past studies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in previously" is grammatically incorrect and functions as an erroneous prepositional phrase. The examples found by Ludwig show instances where it's used, but this doesn't validate its correctness. It attempts to modify a noun or verb by indicating a prior state or condition, but does so improperly.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "in previously" appears in various contexts, it's considered grammatically incorrect. The correct way to express the intended meaning is to use "previously" alone or rephrase the sentence using alternatives like "formerly" or "in the past". As Ludwig AI points out, the word "previously" already implies a prior time, making the additional "in" redundant. Therefore, avoiding this phrase will improve the clarity and correctness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously

Using "previously" alone removes the unnecessary preposition "in", making it grammatically sound.

in the past

This phrase directly refers to a time before the present, providing a simple substitute.

formerly

This adverb denotes a state or condition that existed in the past but no longer does.

beforehand

This single word replaces the entire phrase with a concise adverb indicating something done earlier.

at an earlier time

This alternative specifies that something happened before the current moment, adding clarity.

once

A simple adverb indicating something that happened at some time in the past.

in prior times

This phrase refers to times before now, using slightly more formal language.

in earlier instances

This substitute is useful when referring to specific events or occurrences from the past.

heretofore

This formal adverb means "until now" or "previously", suitable for legal or academic contexts.

in bygone days

This idiomatic phrase refers to a period long past, adding a sense of nostalgia or historical distance.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "previously" in a sentence?

Use "previously" alone, as in "previously mentioned" or "previously published". Avoid adding "in" before it, as it creates a grammatically incorrect phrase.

What are some alternatives to "in previously"?

Instead of "in previously", use alternatives like "formerly", "in the past", or simply "previously".

Is it ever correct to say "in previously"?

No, the phrase "in previously" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. "Previously" already implies that something occurred at an earlier time, making the "in" redundant.

What is the difference between "in previously" and "previously"?

"In previously" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is just "previously", which means 'at an earlier time' or 'before'.