previously better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously better" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing a current situation or state to a past one that was more favorable or advantageous. Example: "The service at this restaurant was previously better, making it a disappointment during my recent visit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It will continue to be overseen by its founder, Jamie East – previously better known only as "Mr Holy Moly" – who will also look to launch the site into new markets overseas.

The Guardian

Previously, Better Place's business model had relied on securing automakers' commitments to make vehicles that would be compatible with its robotic battery-swap stations, which resemble drive-through car washes.

The New York Times

Previously better known for its chic Klimt-inspired watches than for high-tech gadgets, LAKS has seen its sales more than double as a result.Lucas Alexander Karl Scheybal, the head of the firm that bears his initials, believes this sort of watch has huge potential in e-commerce.

The Economist

Although we have always a loss of performance when these algorithms are applied in cyclic codes while they are particularly well suited for LDPC codes, the algorithm proposed in this paper still has a previously better recognition performance for binary cyclic codes in a soft-decision situation than that in a hard-decision situation.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As we've reported previously, BetterWorks, which was co-founded by Paige Craig, George Ishii and co-creator of Farmville Sizhao Yang, launched to help small businesses manage company perks and rewards.

TechCrunch

Previously, better Facebook had over 75 options that allow you to add and remove features from your site experience (changing how you see it in your browser).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The group had previously been better known for online pranks and mischief-making, particularly based from the internet bulletin board site 4chan.

The Guardian - Tech

With the recent approval of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, released offenders will become eligible and, as intimated previously, have better access to health coverage in 2014.

Health & Justice

Most of the respondents alluded to the fact that they had watched videos on the internet (particularly on YouTube) previously, to better understand a concept or topic taught in the classroom.

Smart Learning Environments

We previously reported better psychomotor development at 30 months of age in infants whose mothers received a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (22 6n-3 22 6n-3ment for the firsupplements oforactheion.

The Journal of Pediatrics

He said Labour-run Reading and Slough had previously been better funded than other Berkshire councils under the last Labour government only because of the needs of the people.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previously better" to emphasize a decline or change in quality or performance over time. This is suitable when highlighting a contrast between past and present states.

Common error

Avoid using "previously better" when referring to hypothetical future scenarios. This phrase is specifically for comparing the present with a superior past. For future improvements, use "potentially better" or "could be better".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously better" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective. It modifies a noun or clause, indicating that something was of higher quality or in a more favorable state at a prior time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previously better" is used to highlight a decline in quality or effectiveness over time, with the past being superior to the present. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. It is most commonly found in news media and scientific contexts. While "previously better" can be used in a variety of registers, avoid using it to describe future scenarios. Keep in mind related phrases as "formerly superior" or "better in the past" to accurately convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly superior

Replaces "previously" with "formerly" and "better" with "superior", maintaining a formal tone.

better in the past

Uses a more direct structure, explicitly stating that something was better at an earlier time.

used to be better

Employs a more conversational tone, indicating a decline from a former state.

once was better

Similar to "used to be better" but may imply a more significant or distinct past.

historically superior

Highlights a long-term or well-established past superiority.

previously of higher quality

Replaces "better" with a more specific assessment of quality.

formerly in better condition

Focuses on the condition of something being superior in the past.

surpassed in the past

Highlights that current performance is better compared to the past.

in the past, better performing

Directly compares past performance with current, using "better performing".

had a better track record

Emphasizes a past history of good performance or success.

FAQs

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

Use "previously better" to compare a current state with a past state that was superior. For example: "The customer service was "previously better", but has declined recently."

What are some alternatives to "previously better"?

You can use alternatives such as "better in the past", "formerly superior", or "used to be better", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "previously better than now"?

While understandable, "previously better" already implies a comparison to the present. Adding "than now" is redundant. Simply use "previously better". For example, it's enough to say that a certain process was "previously better".

What's the difference between "previously better" and "potentially better"?

"Previously better" refers to a past state of superiority, while "potentially better" suggests a future possibility. Use "previously better" when discussing a decline, and "potentially better" when discussing improvements.