previously obtainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously obtainable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that was available or accessible in the past but may not be currently available. Example: "The data we relied on for our research was previously obtainable from the government database."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mesoporous AlMSU-2 with wormhole but uniform pores and large surface area, previously obtainable only from silicon alkoxides, has been successfully prepared from pre-assembled zeolite-like units in the presence of nonionic octyl-phenyl polyethylene ether (TX-100) as template through a N0(N+ X−I+ pathway in strong acid media.

Catalysis Today

This technique allowed us to observe individual cell membrane-localized EGFR molecules at a level of detail not previously obtainable, i.e., where separate protein domains could be discerned.

Biotechnology journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Cells for this purpose have previously been obtainable only from sources in very limited supply, such as the pancreatic beta cells obtained from the cadavers of human organ donors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Robert A. Holton, a professor of chemistry at Florida State, developed the first total synthesis of the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel, which had previously been obtainable only from the bark of the Pacific yew tree.

Wikipedia

Although the telescope's mirror suffered from spherical aberration when the telescope was launched in 1990, it could still be used to take images of more distant galaxies than had previously been obtainable.

Wikipedia

A revelatory aspect to studies of the microbiome is that classical ecological models and datasets previously only obtainable for a few economically important systems, such as fisheries, are now testable on the microbial scale because of the ability to assess simultaneously the relative abundance of thousands of species in thousands of samples (Gonzalez et al. 2011).

Biology and Philosophy

They cannot be obtained surgically or, if obtainable, only with extremely sophisticated craniofacial procedures.

Huffington Post

The main object of the study was to compare the Information Transfer Rate (ITR) obtainable with the dry cap with that previously established for the full cap for an existing paradigm using the same subjects.

Plosone

Practice setting realistic and obtainable goals, based on how you've previously handled similar situations.

WikiHow

Hot electron-induced electrochemiluminescence intensities obtainable with the present composite electrodes are comparable to the previously used metal/insulator-type electrodes without exhibiting considerable long-lived solid state electroluminescence background emission, unlike e.g. oxide-coated silicon and aluminum electrodes.

Electrochimica Acta

The tidal system presented was constructed with easily obtainable materials and required minimal space and infrastructure compared to previously developed systems.

Applications in Plant Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previously obtainable", ensure the context clearly indicates what made it obtainable in the past, and why it may no longer be so. Providing this context enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "previously obtainable" if the item or resource is still readily available. The phrase implies a change in accessibility, so ensure that's accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously obtainable" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that had the characteristic of being able to be obtained. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes the quality of something being accessible in a past state.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previously obtainable" is a phrase used to describe something that was accessible or achievable in the past, but may not be so now. While grammatically correct and understandable, its usage is relatively infrequent. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms this, highlighting its presence in various source types but noting its overall rarity. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the context of past availability and reasons for any present changes. Alternatives such as "formerly accessible" or "once available" can provide similar nuances. Remember that clarity and accuracy are key when describing shifts in accessibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously accessible

Synonymous, focusing on the ease of access in the past.

previously achievable

Similar to "formerly attainable", but with a slightly different connotation of success.

formerly attainable

Stresses the ability to reach or achieve something in the past.

formerly accessible

Emphasizes past accessibility rather than the possibility of obtaining something.

once achievable

Focuses on the possibility of achievement in the past.

once available

Highlights that something was available at a point in the past.

formerly procurable

Highlights the ability to obtain something through effort or means in the past.

once procurable

Similar to "formerly procurable", but emphasizes a specific point in the past.

that was once obtainable

A more verbose phrasing, emphasizing a change in the present.

what used to be obtainable

Expresses a sense of something lost or no longer available.

FAQs

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

You can use "previously obtainable" to describe something that was available or achievable in the past but isn't necessarily so now. For example, "The data we relied on was "previously obtainable" from the government database, but it's now restricted."

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

Alternatives include "formerly accessible", "once available", or "previously accessible" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "previously obtainable in the past"?

Yes, adding "in the past" to "previously obtainable" is redundant because "previously" already implies a past state. It's best to simply use "previously obtainable".

What does "previously obtainable" imply about the present?

Using "previously obtainable" suggests that something is no longer as easily accessible, available, or achievable as it once was, often due to changes in circumstances, technology, or policy.