previously been distributed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously been distributed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has already been shared or given out in the past. Example: "The documents have previously been distributed to all team members for review."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ecclestone's great vision – which would set an example for sport in general, notably the English Premier League – was to see that the future lay in television rights, which had previously been distributed piecemeal and for peanuts, and to move his sport into the emerging markets outside Europe.

The Guardian - Books

Similar versions of the survey had previously been distributed to the Danish population on eight previous occasions, starting in the sixties.

Injury Epidemiology

The information regarding the study also included information that had previously been distributed as part of national and local perinatal depression initiatives.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

U.A. as an independent business had previously been distributing MGM films.

The New York Times

The present package also contains the Merlin Control Language compiler, which previously was distributed as a separate program.

Computer Physics Communications

The feedback form described previously was distributed to all new users 2 weeks after the initial implementation of SEND to the pilot wards.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

A questionnaire of 10 items to assess the achievement levels of the programme, which was developed independently of other assessment systems published previously, was distributed, as well as two or three open-ended questions to be answered at the end of each annual module.

Human Resources for Health

During the session, the students progressed through each case and discussed the questions that had been distributed previously and any new questions that may have arisen.

BMC Medical Education

By the end of the day, 2200 tarpaulins had been distributed; however, the previously-smooth relief efforts were impeded by thunderstorms in Cairns.

Wikipedia

All tickets have been distributed.

The New York Times - Arts

Millions have been distributed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previously been distributed", ensure the context clearly indicates what was distributed and to whom. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "previously been distributed" without specifying what "it" refers to. Always clarify the subject to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously been distributed" functions as a passive construction indicating that something was acted upon in the past. It highlights the prior state of distribution. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previously been distributed" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to denote a past distribution event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in science and news media, though its overall frequency is rare. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what was distributed. Alternatives such as "already distributed" or "formerly distributed" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. While generally neutral to formal, its precise and clear nature makes it well-suited for more professional and technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly distributed

Replaces "previously" with "formerly", emphasizing a past distribution arrangement.

already distributed

Substitutes "previously" with "already", indicating that distribution has occurred before the current moment.

previously disseminated

Replaces "distributed" with "disseminated", suggesting a wider and more general distribution.

earlier distributed

Uses "earlier" in place of "previously", indicating a distribution at an earlier time.

previously allocated

Replaces "distributed" with "allocated", implying a specific assignment or division.

previously issued

Substitutes "distributed" with "issued", suitable when referring to documents or official releases.

previously circulated

Replaces "distributed" with "circulated", emphasizing a movement or spread among people.

previously supplied

Uses "supplied" instead of "distributed", indicating a provision or furnishing of items.

formerly allocated

Combines "formerly" and "allocated", emphasizing past allocation.

already disseminated

Combines "already" and "disseminated" for prior extensive distribution.

FAQs

How can I use "previously been distributed" in a sentence?

You can use "previously been distributed" to describe items or information that were disseminated earlier, such as, "The survey had "previously been distributed" to gather initial feedback."

What are some alternatives to "previously been distributed"?

Alternatives include "already distributed", "formerly distributed", or "previously disseminated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was previously distributed" instead of "previously been distributed"?

Yes, "was previously distributed" is grammatically correct. "Previously been distributed" uses the present perfect passive voice, while "was previously distributed" uses the simple past passive voice. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and context.

What is the difference between "distributed previously" and "previously been distributed"?

"Distributed previously" implies a straightforward action of distributing at an earlier time. "Previously been distributed" places more emphasis on the state of having been distributed as a past event that has current relevance. Consider restructuring the sentence to use "already distributed" for better readability.