previously having

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously having" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action or state occurred before another action or state in the past. Example: "Previously having worked in marketing, she brought valuable insights to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Manager Art Howe could not remember previously having a first baseman as his leadoff man.

The New York Times - Sports

Like me, Grant had left further education a year previously, having studied finance at Manchester Polytechnic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mohammed also admitted previously having "steel latticework" over the windows so his daughter could not shout out.

The Guardian

Conversely, what will encourage the Eagles is that they have reached this point without previously having looked all that impressive.

The Guardian - Sport

Boris Johnson, the London mayor, also made another critical intervention, after previously having suggested the sum paid was "derisory".

The Guardian - Tech

Immunity to measles may be derived from either previously having had the disease or from having been vaccinated against it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Northern Irishman had left the club 11 years previously having secured one promotion, two League Cups and four top-10 Premier League finishes.

The Guardian - Sport

Jacqui McDonough returned to Penguin in 1994 as a senior designer after previously having done an internship in one of the design teams as part of her degree.

The Guardian

He also explains that they "have appeared in the Guardian previously, having been hijacked by a woman fraudster called Sue Townsend.

The Guardian - Books

The council says the move by Nash came despite DfE officials previously having endorsed four out of five members of Norfolk's proposed interim board.

The Guardian

Walsh insisted he will not be retiring imminently, despite previously having said he would be stepping down at 55 – an age he will reach in October.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previously having" to clearly establish a sequence of events, indicating that one action or state preceded another. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences with "previously having" that are overly passive. Ensure the subject of the sentence is clear and actively involved in the action, enhancing the readability and impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously having" functions as a gerund phrase, often introducing a clause that provides background information or context. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates a state or action that occurred before the main action of the sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previously having" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Scientific domains. It serves to establish a chronological sequence, offering background information by indicating that a state or action occurred before the main subject of the sentence. While versatile, careful attention should be paid to avoid passive voice constructions. Considering alternatives like "formerly possessing" may lend a more formal tone where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously undergone

Similar to "already undergone" but retains "previously" for emphasis on the temporal aspect.

earlier experiencing

Replaces "having" with "experiencing", focusing on a past encounter or sensation.

formerly holding

Substitutes "previously" with "formerly" and "having" with "holding", highlighting a past role or position.

in the past experiencing

Adds "in the past" for emphasis, making the phrase more explicit.

beforehand possessing

Replaces "having" with "possessing", emphasizing ownership or control at an earlier point.

already undergone

Uses "already undergone" to indicate a process or event completed in the past.

once possessing

Highlights a past state of ownership.

prior possession of

Uses a noun phrase to convey past ownership or control.

historically maintaining

Replaces "having" with "maintaining", emphasizing the duration of a past state or condition.

once in command of

Emphasizes a past leadership or control position.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "previously having" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could substitute "previously having" with "formerly possessing", "previously undergoing", or "having previously undergone" depending on the context. These alternatives often lend a more professional feel.

Is there a difference in meaning between "previously having" and "before having"?

While both indicate something occurred earlier, "previously having" generally implies a state or experience, whereas "before having" often refers to a specific action or event. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

What are some common synonyms for "previously having"?

Common synonyms include "formerly having", "earlier experiencing", and "already undergoing". Choosing the right synonym depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

How to use "previously having" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure that the sentence structure clearly indicates what was "previously had". For example, "Despite "previously having" made the statement, she considered running."