it was formerly accepted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was formerly accepted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a belief, idea, or practice that was once widely recognized or acknowledged but may no longer be the case. Example: "In the past, it was formerly accepted that the Earth was the center of the universe."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is formerly accepted that the size of nanoparticles may play a paramount role in cellular uptake [12 17], although its effect on the uptake into non-phagocytic cells is still not fully understood.

Nanoscale Research Letters

It was formerly treated as its own family (Asclepiadaceae).

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was formerly included in feudal Moldavia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was formerly included in feudal Transylvania.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was formerly canalized upstream to Stamford.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was formerly categorized as EC 2.3.1.124.

Harvard University

It was formerly called Wegener's granulomatosis.

Harvard University

(It was formerly known as Hangzhou Academy).

The New York Times - Arts

It was formerly situated in Lyndhurst, N.J.

The New York Times

It was formerly sponsored by Northville Industries.

The New York Times - Sports

It was formerly sponsored by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was formerly accepted" to introduce a concept or belief that has since been revised or disproven. This helps to provide context and show the evolution of understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "it was formerly accepted" when the concept is still valid or partially true. Ensure the context clearly indicates a change in understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was formerly accepted" functions as an introductory clause or phrase that sets the stage for discussing a superseded idea or belief. It indicates a historical perspective and implies a shift in understanding. Ludwig AI acknowledges the phrase is valid and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was formerly accepted" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that introduces a concept or belief that has since been revised or disproven. According to Ludwig, the phrase is valid and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in academic, scientific, and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates a change in understanding and avoid assuming continued validity. Alternatives include "it was previously believed" and "it was once thought".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was previously believed

Replaces "accepted" with "believed", emphasizing the notion of a prior belief.

it was once thought

Substitutes "formerly accepted" with "once thought", focusing on a past idea or opinion.

it used to be considered

Emphasizes a past viewpoint or assessment, using "used to be considered".

it had been understood

Focuses on a prior understanding, using the past perfect tense to highlight the change in understanding.

it was earlier recognized

Highlights a prior recognition or acknowledgment, using "earlier recognized".

it was traditionally held

Emphasizes a past tradition or custom, using "traditionally held".

it was historically the case

Highlights a historical perspective, using "historically the case".

it was anciently received

Replaces accepted with received, gives a sense of a past custom.

it was initially posited

Focuses on the original proposal or suggestion, using "initially posited".

it was deemed true in the past

Expresses the idea of something once thought to be true.

FAQs

What does "it was formerly accepted" mean?

The phrase "it was formerly accepted" indicates that a particular idea, belief, or practice was once widely acknowledged or recognized as true, but this is no longer the case. It suggests a shift in understanding or a change in consensus.

How can I use "it was formerly accepted" in a sentence?

You can use "it was formerly accepted" to introduce a concept that has been superseded by new information or discoveries. For example, "It was formerly accepted that the Earth was flat, but scientific evidence has since proven otherwise."

What are some alternatives to "it was formerly accepted"?

Alternatives include "it was previously believed", "it was once thought", or "it used to be considered". These phrases also indicate a past understanding that is no longer current.

Is it appropriate to use "it was formerly accepted" in formal writing?

Yes, "it was formerly accepted" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic or scientific contexts where discussing the evolution of knowledge is common. It maintains a neutral and informative tone.