previously known as

USAGE SUMMARY

"previously known as" is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has previously been known by another name or title. For example: "The author, previously known as John Smith, now goes by the pen name Johnny Wolf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Alterra was previously known as Assisted Living Services.

The New York Times

The area was previously known as Fiskhorn (pronounced FISK-horn).

The New York Times - Tech

The race was previously known as the Advil Mini-Marathon...

The New York Times - Sports

FileHippo's App Manager, previously known as Update Checker, isn't bad.

The Guardian - Tech

Overwhelming majority Previously known as a "slim majority".

The Guardian - Opinion

The dramas are "The Ex List" (previously known as "Mythological X"), "Elemental" (previously known as "Eleventh Hour"), "The Mentalist," and "Harper's Island".

The New York Times

Kuerten, previously known as a clay-court specialist, seeks his first hardcourt title in today's final.

The New York Times - Sports

(It was previously known as State Normal and Industrial College for Colored Students).

The New Yorker

The candidate, an organic strawberry farmer previously known as Marvin Richardson, had his name legally changed.

The New York Times

Higginson, previously known as Hartley, will take up the post in mid-April.

The Guardian

Its PlayStation VR headset (previously known as Project Morpheus) is due out next year.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previously known as" to provide historical context or clarity when the current name might be unfamiliar to the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "previously known as" when the former name is still partially in use or creates confusion about the entity's present identity. Ensure the context clearly indicates a past, and now superseded, designation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously known as" serves as a descriptor, linking a subject with its former name or identity. It functions to provide context, historical background, or clarification. Ludwig confirms the phrase's common usage and acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

28%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previously known as" is a versatile descriptor, widely used to clarify name changes and provide context. Analysis of numerous sources by Ludwig reveals its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific writing. The phrase functions primarily to inform and explain, suiting a professional or neutral register. Common alternatives include "formerly called" and "originally named". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and effective for communicating historical context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly called

Focuses on the act of calling something by a different name in the past.

previously designated as

Emphasizes the act of formally assigning a different designation in the past.

originally named

Highlights the initial name given to something.

once known as

Indicates a past identity that is no longer current.

used to be called

A more conversational way to express a past name.

earlier known as

Focuses on the temporal aspect of a prior name.

before it was renamed

Highlights the renaming event and the subsequent new identity.

was renamed from

Indicates the change of name from a specific former name.

under its former name of

Emphasizes the previous name within a context.

at one time known as

Suggests a historical or less common prior identity.

FAQs

How can I use "previously known as" in a sentence?

Use "previously known as" to introduce a former name or identity. For example, "The company, "previously known as" Acme Corp, is now GlobalTech."

What's an alternative to "previously known as"?

Alternatives include "formerly called", "originally named", or "used to be called". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "previously known as" in formal writing?

Yes, "previously known as" is suitable for formal writing, especially when providing background information or clarifying a subject's history.

How does "previously known as" differ from "also known as"?

"Previously known as" indicates a past name that is no longer in use, while "also known as" indicates an alternative name that is currently used in addition to the primary name.