previously available

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously available" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that was accessible or obtainable at an earlier time. Example: "The data that was previously available is no longer accessible due to system updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But, still, it's an unreleased song, from a lost BBC session, previously available only on bootlegs.

The Guardian - Music

Wonga argues that its success stems from a fast, hi-tech service, not previously available.

The Guardian - Business

The package, called Google Apps, combines two sets of previously available software bundles.

The New York Times - Tech

The higher personal allowances previously available to older people are being phased out.

The Guardian - Money

Some of the resources were previously available only to those affiliated with a college or university.

The New York Times - Tech

(You can read the piece, which was previously available to subscribers only).

The New Yorker

What's more, the funding previously available to fulfil some of these roles is being cut too.

The Guardian

"Twitter provided an avenue for stakeholder engagement that was not previously available to us," he says.

The Guardian

Some of the infrared images, scientist said, are 30 times sharper than anything previously available.

The New York Times

Previously available mostly on high-end luxury cars, it is an $850 option.

The New York Times

With her high level of skating, Steamer was the first woman to earn endorsements previously available only to men.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes or updates, use "previously available" to clearly indicate what was accessible before the change. For example, "The updated software includes features previously available only in the premium version."

Common error

Avoid using "previously available" when describing something that is still accessible. Instead, use present tense or descriptive adjectives to accurately portray its current status. For example, say "The data is currently available" instead of incorrectly saying "The data was previously available".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously available" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun was accessible or obtainable at an earlier time. Ludwig confirms that it's used to describe something that used to be accessible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science & Research

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previously available" is a grammatically correct and widely used adjective phrase used to describe something that was accessible or obtainable in the past. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science, with a neutral to professional register. While the phrase is simple, understanding when to use it—and when not to—is crucial. Remember to avoid using it when describing things that are still available. Consider related phrases like "formerly accessible" or "once available" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Formerly accessible

Replaces "previously available" with a synonym that emphasizes past accessibility.

Previously accessible

Reiterates the phrase with the synonym accessible.

Once available

Indicates that something was available at a certain point in time.

Formerly obtainable

Replaces "available" with a synonym that emphasizes the possibility of obtaining something.

Previously accessible

Highlights access rather than general availability.

Previously in circulation

Suggests that something was distributed or known before.

Formerly offered

Emphasizes that something used to be provided.

Available in the past

Uses a more explicit wording, specifying the time frame.

No longer available

Highlights that something is not currently available.

Now defunct

Suggests that something is no longer active or operational.

FAQs

How can I use "previously available" in a sentence?

Use "previously available" to describe something that was accessible or obtainable in the past but may not be anymore. For example, "This feature, "previously available" to subscribers only, is now free for all users."

What are some alternatives to "previously available"?

You can use alternatives like "formerly accessible", "once available", or "previously accessible" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "previously available" and "currently available"?

"Previously available" indicates something was accessible in the past, while "currently available" indicates something is accessible now. They represent different points in time.

Is it correct to say "previously available" when something is no longer available?

Yes, using "previously available" is appropriate to describe something that was accessible in the past but is no longer accessible now. This phrasing is very common in situations involving updates or changes to a system.