it was previously thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was previously thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a belief or assumption that has changed over time, often in the context of scientific or historical information. Example: "It was previously thought that the Earth was flat, but this has been proven to be incorrect."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was previously thought that Vitamin E simply worked by blocking UVB rays.

The Guardian

It was previously thought that short-term memory could hold up to seven chunks of information.

The Guardian

He said it was previously thought that most Australian dinosaurs travelled south from Asia.

The Guardian

"It was previously thought to only occur in the developing brain," he said.

The New York Times

But it was previously thought that TLS polymerase activity was unlikely to exist in the radio-resistant genus Deinococcus.

Microbiological Research

It was previously thought that piranhas produced a single barking call.

The New York Times - Science

Named upsalite, after the university, the creation is especially impressive as it was previously thought to be impossible.

The Guardian

Rather, the new survey looked more closely at places where it was previously thought no orangutans lived.

The Guardian

It was previously thought that epigenetic histone modifications of mammalian transposable elements (TEs) serve primarily to defend the genome against deleterious effects associated with their activity.

Gene

It was previously thought that the difference in fluorescence behaviour was due to chemical impurities12, but our data show that this is not the case.

Nature

Hawking's work greatly spurred efforts to theoretically delineate the properties of black holes, objects about which it was previously thought that nothing could be known.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was previously thought" to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or new information that challenges an older idea. This sets up a clear transition and highlights the evolution of understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "it was previously thought" simply to state an old idea without presenting the current understanding or corrected information. Always provide the updated perspective to give context and value to the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was previously thought" functions as an introductory clause. It sets the stage for presenting revised information, indicating a shift in understanding or knowledge. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

40%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was previously thought" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a shift in understanding. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in academic, scientific, and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide updated information to add value and context. Consider using synonyms like "it was once believed" or "it was formerly understood" for variety, and avoid simply stating an old idea without presenting the current perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was once believed

Focuses on a past belief without necessarily implying a formal thought process.

it was formerly understood

Emphasizes a past state of comprehension or knowledge.

it had been assumed

Highlights that the idea was taken for granted without concrete evidence.

earlier assumptions held that

More formal; clearly refers to assumptions made in the past.

the prior understanding was

Formal; emphasizes the previous state of understanding on a subject.

historically, it was considered

Places the past belief within a historical context.

in the past, people thought

Less formal and more general, referring to what people thought in the past.

the initial hypothesis suggested

Specifically refers to scientific or investigational hypotheses.

it used to be the case that

Highlights a past condition or circumstance that is no longer true.

previous research indicated

Points to prior research findings, often in academic or scientific contexts.

FAQs

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

Begin by introducing the older idea with the phrase, then immediately follow with the current understanding or correction. For example, "It was previously thought that the universe was static, but now we know it is expanding."

What's a more formal way to say "it was previously thought"?

You could use phrases like "it was formerly understood" or "the prior understanding was" to convey a similar meaning in a more formal context.

Is it always necessary to include a contrasting statement after "it was previously thought"?

While not strictly mandatory, providing a contrasting statement or updated information enhances the value and clarity of your writing. It demonstrates the evolution of understanding and prevents the phrase from feeling incomplete.

What are some common synonyms for "it was previously thought"?

Common synonyms include "it was once believed", "it had been assumed", or "earlier assumptions held that", each carrying slightly different nuances.