previously enthusiastic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously enthusiastic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who had shown enthusiasm in the past but may not currently feel the same way. Example: "The team was previously enthusiastic about the project, but recent setbacks have dampened their spirits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Several previously enthusiastic attendees at RedState were noticeably less so on Saturday.

The Guardian

The powerful Globo media group, which was previously enthusiastic about Temer, is now among the loudest voices calling for the President to resign.

The New Yorker

It's not hard to imagine hundreds of previously enthusiastic candidates now hastily scrambling to withdraw their applications.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was something of a U-turn for Brooks, who had previously been enthusiastic about the paywall strategy, but her message to staff last week suggested she has become an internet convert.

The Guardian

And by August 31st, NBC was already rapidly backing away from the project that Greenblatt had previously been so enthusiastic about.

Huffington Post

On this tour, that culture has rubbed off on some of the older members, who might not previously have been such enthusiastic advocates of late-night analysis on the laptop.

BBC

Barbirolli had instigated this project, with Ferrier's enthusiastic approval, some months previously.

Wikipedia

Previously AA's father had been so enthusiastic about a transplant that he flew several of his children to the UK to be tested as donors.

Independent

This was really big news, because it provided tangible evidence of the continuity that underlay Stravinsky's many stylistic metamorphoses, something previously sensed and declared, but only as enthusiastic propaganda, not as the fruit of technical analysis.

The New York Times - Arts

Finally, it is unclear whether national-level support for the clinical associate concept is as enthusiastic now as it was previously.

Global Health Action

Party grandees returned the favour by mustering more enthusiastic support than they have shown previously.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previously enthusiastic", ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the change in enthusiasm. Providing this context enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "previously enthusiastic" without explaining why the enthusiasm waned. Leaving the reason unstated can confuse readers or suggest a negative connotation where none is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously enthusiastic" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a past state of enthusiasm. Ludwig shows the phrase is used to describe a shift in sentiment or attitude.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previously enthusiastic" is a grammatically sound and versatile adjective phrase used to describe a shift from a state of enthusiasm to one that is less so. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is typically used in neutral contexts, such as news and media, science, and general writing, to highlight a change in sentiment or attitude. While interchangeable with alternatives like "formerly passionate" or "once eager", "previously enthusiastic" effectively conveys a nuanced contrast between past and present feelings, and it is important to give the reason for that shift in enthusiasm when using it. Ludwig's analysis underscores the phrase's reliability and appropriateness for describing evolving perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly passionate

Replaces "enthusiastic" with "passionate" and "previously" with "formerly", indicating a prior intense feeling.

once eager

Uses "eager" instead of "enthusiastic" and "once" instead of "previously", conveying a sense of past anticipation.

used to be enthusiastic

Rephrases the sentence structure to emphasize a past state of enthusiasm.

no longer enthusiastic

Emphasizes the current lack of enthusiasm, implying a prior state.

formerly excited

Substitutes "enthusiastic" with "excited" and "previously" with "formerly", denoting a prior state of excitement.

once keen

Uses "keen" instead of "enthusiastic" and "once" instead of "previously", showing past interest.

previously zealous

Replaces "enthusiastic" with "zealous" and indicating past fervor.

formerly ardent

Substitutes "enthusiastic" with "ardent" and "previously" with "formerly", denoting past intensity.

used to show enthusiasm

Rephrases the sentence to focus on showing enthusiasm in the past.

formerly supportive

Replaces "enthusiastic" with "supportive", focusing on a change in backing or approval.

FAQs

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

You can use "previously enthusiastic" to describe someone or something that showed enthusiasm in the past but doesn't anymore, like "The investors were "previously enthusiastic" about the startup, but recent losses have changed their minds".

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

Alternatives include "formerly passionate", "once eager", or "used to be enthusiastic". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "previously enthusiastic" or "formerly enthusiastic"?

Both "previously enthusiastic" and "formerly enthusiastic" are correct and largely interchangeable. "Formerly" may sound slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal.

Is "previously enthusiastic" a formal or informal phrase?

"Previously enthusiastic" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.