previous worries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous worries" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to concerns or anxieties that were experienced in the past. Example: "After reflecting on my previous worries, I realized that many of them were unfounded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Previous worries - the effect of the continuing protests in Hong Kong, the air strikes on Isis - remained, while further signs of weakness in the global economy added to investors' caution.

The Guardian - Business

What would we do?" So while gay couples here are proceeding with the now almost routine rituals of planning weddings that the state does not recognize, straight couples, whose previous worries tended more toward chocolate versus carrot cake, are struggling to figure out a new script.

The New York Times

So while gay couples here are proceeding with the now almost routine rituals of planning weddings that the state does not recognize, straight couples, whose previous worries tended more toward chocolate versus carrot cake, are struggling to figure out a new script.

The New York Times

Last week, Cisco agreed to pay $500m for Linksys, a firm that makes Wi-Fi equipment for homes and small offices.Cellular-network operators around the world are also moving into Wi-Fi, despite previous worries that doing so would muddy the prospects for "third-generation" mobile networks.

The Economist

No East, nor West," a reference to previous worries that the country would be bifurcated between Gaddafi opponents in the east and the pro-Gaddafi elements in the west.

Vice

Nevertheless, both groups concluded that, despite previous worries of worsened intracranial pathologies with HFOV, this was not demonstrated, perhaps validating its safety in infants.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Michael Owen needs a scan on his suspect hamstring, the all too familiar memory of previous fitness worries hanging heavy over the striker once again and his withdrawal from Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad for next week's friendly in Sweden guaranteed.

The Guardian - Sport

Such pledges may revive previous American worries about local peace deals with militants.Aftab Sherpao, a Pushtun and former interior minister under Mr Musharraf, argues that any secular government would be an improvement "as the MMA had obstructed operations against militants".

The Economist

He insisted that the club was ready to face the challenges of the Premier League with its previous financial worries now in the past.

BBC

A third worry: the panel that evaluates Arena will have spent the previous day worrying about side effects for Abbott's Meridia weight loss drug, which could make them even more safety conscious.

Forbes

Some will argue that parental concerns about technology are akin to previous generations worrying about boy bands.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previous worries" to clearly indicate concerns or anxieties that were relevant in the past but may no longer be current. This helps provide context and avoid confusion about the timeline of the concerns.

Common error

Avoid using "previous worries" when referring to ongoing or current anxieties. Ensure that the context clearly indicates that the worries are in the past and no longer the primary focus of attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous worries" functions as a pre-modifying adjective + noun combination. "Previous" modifies the noun "worries", indicating that the concerns or anxieties existed at an earlier time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previous worries" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that denotes concerns or anxieties experienced in the past. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media or science. While not extremely frequent, it serves the purpose of referencing and contextualizing past concerns, providing clarity in discussions. Although the register is generally neutral, it may be beneficial to consider more formal alternatives like "past anxieties" or "former concerns" in academic or professional settings. Use "previous worries" to help avoid confusing past issues with ongoing concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

past anxieties

Replaces "worries" with a more formal term, "anxieties", emphasizing a state of unease or concern experienced in the past.

former concerns

Substitutes "previous" with "former" and "worries" with "concerns", indicating issues that were significant earlier but are no longer so.

earlier fears

Uses "earlier" instead of "previous" and "fears" instead of "worries", highlighting apprehensions experienced at a prior time.

historical anxieties

Replaces "previous" with "historical" to emphasize that the anxieties are related to past events and that may have an importance that transcends a particular point in time.

bygone concerns

Bygone instead of previous to focus on the fact that the worries are far in the past

past misgivings

Swaps "worries" for "misgivings", suggesting doubts or apprehensions about something that occurred in the past.

old apprehensions

Replaces "previous" with "old" and "worries" with "apprehensions", indicating concerns that have existed for a considerable time.

retrospective concerns

Indicates that concerns are being considered in retrospect, looking back at past events.

initial anxieties

Emphasizes that the anxieties were present at the beginning of a situation or event.

antecedent fears

Replaces "previous" with "antecedent", making the phrase more formal and indicating fears that preceded a particular event or situation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "previous worries" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "past anxieties", "former concerns", or "retrospective concerns". These options offer a more elevated and professional tone while still conveying the same meaning.

What's a simpler way to say "previous worries"?

Simpler alternatives include "past worries", "old worries", or "earlier fears". These are more straightforward and easier to understand in everyday conversation.

Is it always necessary to specify "previous" when talking about worries?

No, it's not always necessary. If the context makes it clear that you're referring to past concerns, you can simply say "worries". However, using "previous worries" adds clarity when the timeline is important or if there's a possibility of confusion with current concerns.

Can "previous worries" be used in academic writing?

Yes, "previous worries" is acceptable in academic writing, particularly when discussing historical perspectives or past research. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "antecedent fears" or "historical anxieties" for a more scholarly tone.