it was previously

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was previously" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something happened or existed before a specific point in time. Here is an example of how it can be used in a sentence: "The company's profits were declining, but with the new marketing strategy, it was previously able to turn things around and increase their revenue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was previously characterized in its active inhibitor bound state by crystallography.

Structure

It was previously an unfashionable injury.

The Guardian

It was previously Chrysler L.L.C. Q.

The New York Times

It was previously Corbyn's campaign HQ.

The Guardian

It was previously a law office.

The New York Times

It was previously posted in December 2015.

The Washington Post

It was previously published in 1929 and 1955.

The Guardian - Books

It was previously reported that only Ramires heard the word.

Independent

It was previously lived in by a protected tenant.

Independent

It was previously reported that Henry, a Bengals receiver, fell.

The New York Times

It was previously published in the Delaware Business Court Insider's March 14 , 2017edition, available here.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was previously" to clearly indicate a change in state or condition, ensuring readers understand the prior situation before the current one.

Common error

Avoid using "it was previously" when you mean "it is currently". This error can mislead readers about the present status of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was previously" functions as an introductory element in a sentence or clause, establishing a temporal context. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it sets the stage by referring to a past state or condition before presenting a subsequent change or current situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was previously" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to indicate a change or prior state, according to Ludwig. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it serves to provide background information and contextualize developments. Ludwig AI identifies that the phrase is correct. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by contrasting the past state with the current one, avoiding confusion with present conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Previously, it was

This inverts the structure of the original phrase for emphasis.

It had previously been

Adds "been" and emphasizes that something was in effect for a time.

It was formerly

This option removes "been" to produce a shorter and equally effective sentence.

It had been formerly

This alternative emphasizes the prior state in a slightly more formal way.

In the past, it was

This alternative emphasizes the time element of a past condition.

It was at first

This alternative highlights the initial state or condition.

It used to be

This phrase focuses on past habits or states that are no longer true.

It was earlier

This alternative phrase is more succinct and direct, focusing solely on the timing.

Before, it was

This option is a more informal and direct way to indicate a prior state.

It was antecedently

This phrase provides a more formal or technical tone.

FAQs

How can I use "it was previously" in a sentence?

Use "it was previously" to indicate a state or condition that existed before the current one. For example, "The building was renovated; "it was previously" a warehouse".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was previously"?

You can use alternatives like "it used to be", "previously it was", or "it was formerly" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "it is previously" instead of "it was previously"?

No, "it is previously" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""it was previously"" to indicate a past state.

What's the difference between "it was previously" and "it is now"?

"It was previously" indicates a past condition, while "it is now" indicates the current condition. They are used to show a change over time.