Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
previous work has shown
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase 'previous work has shown' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that existing research or studies have previously demonstrated a certain outcome. For example, "Previous work has shown that increasing job security leads to improved employee performance."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Our previous work has shown these mutations alter red blood cell binding by H5 HA [18].
Science
(Previous work has shown that this is an accurate proxy for strength).
News & Media
Previous work has shown that the human cardiac stem cells, known as cardiomyocytes, could be used on rodents.
News & Media
Previous work has shown that introducing a third band offers an efficiency of 63.2%.
Our previous work has shown that prenatal inhibition of the pathway produces abnormalities of brain development.
Science
Previous work has shown that there are no (2,k,+1 -digraphs for k≥2.
Science
Previous work has shown that CIDR and DBL domains can possess adhesive properties.
Previous work has shown extraction of signal from noise using multi-electrode sensors.
Previous work has shown that early experience influences infant cortisol secretion.
Science
Previous work has shown a correlation between electrical conductivity and ESD ignition sensitivity.
Science
Previous work has shown some performance comparisons for frequency-selective channels [5, 35].
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "previous work has shown", always cite the specific sources to give credit to the original researchers and allow readers to verify the information.
Common error
Avoid using "previous work has shown" as a blanket statement without providing specific citations or details about the prior research. Be precise and offer context.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "previous work has shown" functions as a sentence opener or transitional phrase, introducing information or findings established by prior research. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use.
Frequent in
Science
84%
News & Media
12%
Formal & Business
4%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "previous work has shown" is a versatile phrase used to introduce findings from earlier studies. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted, especially in scientific and academic writing. When using this phrase, remember to cite your sources properly to ensure credibility. Alternatives include "prior studies have indicated" and "earlier research has demonstrated". While common, avoid overgeneralization by providing specific details. The prevalence of this phrase in academic and scientific sources highlights its role in formal discourse.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
prior studies have indicated
Replaces "work" with "studies" and "shown" with "indicated", suggesting a slightly more cautious conclusion.
earlier research has demonstrated
Substitutes "previous" with "earlier" and "shown" with "demonstrated", emphasizing a clear and evident finding.
prior investigations have revealed
Changes "work" to "investigations" and "shown" to "revealed", highlighting a process of discovery.
existing literature suggests
Uses "existing literature" instead of "previous work", framing the statement within the broader academic context and "suggests" to soften the statement.
past research indicates
Employs "past research" instead of "previous work" and "indicates" instead of "shown", offering a slightly less assertive tone.
earlier findings suggest
Replaces "work" with "findings" and "shown" with "suggest", focusing on the results and downplaying the definitiveness.
prior analyses have established
Substitutes "work" with "analyses" and "shown" with "established", emphasizing a firm confirmation.
previous investigations point to
Changes "work" to "investigations" and uses "point to" instead of "shown", implying a direction or tendency.
existing evidence suggests
Focuses on "evidence" rather than "work", using "suggests" to present a less conclusive statement.
earlier studies have elucidated
Replaces "work" with "studies" and "shown" with "elucidated", emphasizing clarification or explanation.
FAQs
How can I use "previous work has shown" in a sentence?
You can use "previous work has shown" to introduce findings from earlier research. For example, "Previous work has shown that increased exercise correlates with improved cardiovascular health".
What's a more formal alternative to "previous work has shown"?
More formal alternatives include "prior research has demonstrated", "earlier studies have indicated", or "the literature suggests".
Is it necessary to cite sources after using "previous work has shown"?
Yes, it is crucial to cite the specific studies or articles you are referencing after stating "previous work has shown". This provides credibility and allows readers to verify your claims.
How does "previous work has shown" differ from "it is known that"?
"Previous work has shown" implies that the information comes from specific research efforts, whereas "it is known that" suggests a more general understanding, which may or may not be based on formal studies. Using the former implies a need for citation.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested