previously linked to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously linked to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a connection or association that existed in the past between two or more entities. Example: "The study found that the disease was previously linked to environmental factors that have since changed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Other actors previously linked to the role included Matt Damon and Bradley Cooper.

The Guardian - Film

Researchers were able to identify the quacking noise, as well as downward-sweeping sounds previously linked to minke whales.

The Guardian

Eight of the 12 — notably, the sprinter Maurice Greene — have never been previously linked to performance-enhancing drugs.

The New York Times - Sports

The difficulties of redirecting trade previously linked to the Soviet bloc were great.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Previously linked to local incomes, it now means anything up to 80% of market rate – by no means affordable to the majority of Londoners.

The Guardian - Arts

In addition, Garfield Ellenwood, a sprinter not previously linked to drugs, will testify that he obtained steroids from Heredia with assistance from Graham.

The New York Times - Sports

Once it does, it starts playing the music that you previously linked to that specific tag.

TechCrunch

Second, it has been previously linked to arguments about the importance of transparency and mystery.

Visualization in Engineering

Changes in heart rate and ECG rhythm were previously linked to seizure in case of adult humans and animals.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Twenty eight of these loci had not been previously linked to migraine at the time of publication.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Many of the fungal species previously linked to needle-cast diseases were present in needles of young, healthy Pinus radiata.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previously linked to", ensure the context clearly indicates why the connection is relevant in the present discussion. This adds clarity and prevents confusion about the ongoing significance of the link.

Common error

Avoid using "previously linked to" when the connection is still current and ongoing. Instead, use phrases like "currently linked to" or "associated with" for present associations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously linked to" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a past relationship or association. It highlights that a connection existed at some point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previously linked to" is a commonly used adjective phrase that denotes a past relationship or association between entities. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct. It's particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts, serving to provide historical background or contrast past understandings with current perspectives. Alternatives include "formerly associated with" or "earlier connected to", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the relevance of the past connection to the present discussion. Avoid using it when the association is still current. Overall, "previously linked to" is a useful and versatile phrase for conveying historical context, with its formality generally ranging from neutral to formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly associated with

Focuses on a past association, emphasizing the prior relationship between entities.

earlier connected to

Highlights a connection that existed at an earlier time.

historically related to

Emphasizes the historical aspect of the relationship.

in the past, associated with

Adds more emphasis to the time aspect, making it more explicit about a past connection.

once attributed to

Implies a past attribution or cause, more specific than a general link.

previously tied to

Similar meaning with a slightly less formal tone. Focuses on the idea of a bond.

formerly attributed to

Similar to "once attributed to" but using more formal language.

had been associated with

More formal restatement of the original phrase, emphasizing completion.

known to be related to

Similar meaning, but does not explicitly mentions the past. Focuses on the idea of knowledge.

once correlated with

Focuses on the correlation aspect that happened in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "previously linked to" in a sentence?

You can use "previously linked to" to show a past relationship between two things. For example: "The disease was "previously linked to" environmental factors, but new research suggests genetic factors play a larger role."

What's a more formal way to say "previously linked to"?

A more formal alternative would be "formerly associated with" or "historically related to". Both phrases convey a similar meaning while maintaining a more professional tone.

Is it correct to use "previously linked to" if the link still exists?

No, "previously linked to" implies a past connection. If the link still exists, use phrases like "currently linked to" or "associated with".

What can I say instead of "previously linked to" when discussing causality?

Consider using "once attributed to" or "formerly attributed to" to suggest a past causal relationship. For example: "The symptoms were "once attributed to" stress, but are now understood to be caused by a specific virus."