previously eager

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously eager" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who was enthusiastic or keen about something in the past but may not be currently. Example: "She was previously eager to join the project, but now she seems hesitant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It said the working capital crisis had been largely triggered by suppliers and subcontractors – many of them previously eager to secure business with fast-growing Connaught – tightening the payment terms demanded of the crisis-stricken group.

The Guardian - Business

It felt like many a night I'd spent previously, eager with anticipation for the music, the fellowship, the likely accompanying drug experience and whatever else I hoped might lie ahead, but which almost always didn't.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Chinese leaders, previously more eager to nurture high-tech industries, toured textile factories last month in a show of political support.Later in July, a meeting of the ruling Politburo signalled a policy shift.

The Economist

For the song, Shakur recruited the members of the former group Dramacydal whom he had worked with previously, and was eager to work with again.

Wikipedia

They were encouraged by regional politicians eager to sell previously unwanted public land.

The New York Times

They are rallying around Andrew Lansley, a colleague they had previously thought a cold fish, eager to offer their services in defence of his struggling NHS reform plan.

The Economist

The opportunity exists for recall or other biases, particularly among patients eager to label previously unexplained symptoms.

BMC Infectious Diseases

With the same eager curiosity that she previously brought to the subjects of cadavers, space, and sex, the author explores the digestive system, from mouth to colon.

The New Yorker

In fact, he had previously been courted by the KGB, eager to recruit him to the service of International Peace, as they put it, and had refused, which ensured that he would never be allowed back in the country.

The Guardian - Books

The bugs in question had been fed a week previously, and then starved, so they were eager to eat.

The Economist

He also holds great pulling power with a young male demographic the Academy is eager to court but has previously had little success with.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "previously eager" implies a shift. Ensure your sentence clearly explains or hints at why the change occurred to avoid leaving the reader puzzled.

Common error

Avoid using "previously eager" if the person or entity still maintains the same level of enthusiasm. Using it incorrectly can mislead your audience and suggest an inaccurate change in attitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously eager" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a subject's past state of enthusiasm or willingness. It indicates a shift from a state of eagerness to a different state. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes someone who was enthusiastic or keen about something in the past but may not be currently.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previously eager" is an adjective phrase that describes a past state of enthusiasm or willingness that no longer exists. It's grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suggests it describes someone who was enthusiastic in the past but may not be currently. When using the phrase, make sure it highlights a clear shift in attitude and that the context clarifies why the change occurred. While "formerly enthusiastic" and "once keen" are viable alternatives, avoid using "previously eager" if the subject's enthusiasm remains unchanged.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly enthusiastic

Replaces "previously" with "formerly" and "eager" with "enthusiastic", focusing on past excitement.

formerly keen

A more concise alternative using 'formerly' instead of 'previously'.

once enthusiastic

Simply swaps 'previously' for 'once'.

once keen

Uses "once" to indicate the past and "keen" as a synonym for eager.

used to be keen

Similar to "used to be enthusiastic", replacing "eager" with "keen".

used to be enthusiastic

Emphasizes the change in enthusiasm over time.

formerly willing

Substitutes 'eager' with 'willing', implying a change in disposition.

at one time avid

Suggests a former intense interest or enthusiasm.

once zealous

Emphasizes a past fervor or passion.

initially excited

Highlights the beginning state of excitement.

FAQs

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

Use "previously eager" to describe a past state of enthusiasm that has since changed. For instance, "She was "previously eager" to volunteer, but now she's too busy".

What's a good alternative to "previously eager"?

Alternatives include "formerly enthusiastic", "once keen", or "used to be enthusiastic" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "previously eager"?

No, it's not redundant if you are highlighting a change in attitude. The word "previously" emphasizes that the eagerness is no longer present. It is used to contrast a past and current state.

What's the difference between "previously eager" and "still eager"?

"Previously eager" indicates that someone was enthusiastic in the past but is no longer, while "still eager" means they continue to be enthusiastic. They represent opposite states regarding enthusiasm.