previously possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that was achievable or feasible at an earlier time but may not be now. Example: "The technology that made this task previously possible has now become obsolete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This kind of immersion in music was never previously possible.

The New Yorker

This sort of career arc was never previously possible.

The New York Times - Magazine

That is a speed of development not previously possible on mobile phones, he said.

The New York Times - Tech

But we surpassed it because evolutions in architecture … allowed us to go much further than previously possible".

The Guardian

The acquisition gives Cisco access to technology permitting wireless communications at speeds previously possible only with wired connections.

The New York Times

"The satisfaction I've taken from a job well done is beyond what was ever previously possible," she says.

The Guardian

Focus on creating solutions that were only previously possible with expensive proprietary data or not possible at all.

The Guardian

Wireless services enable applications not previously possible in any economical fashion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Argos said changes to the way it distributes and stores products had enabled it to try out a broader array of stores than previously possible.

The Guardian - Business

In addition, a new magnetic testing procedure can now detect much smaller cracks than previously possible, and three crack-free valves have been installed on the Discovery.

The New York Times - Science

By combining recent technologies with age-old practices that now cover all areas of banking, new practices are emerging that go beyond what was previously possible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing advancements, use "previously possible" to highlight the contrast between past limitations and current capabilities.

Common error

Avoid using "previously possible" when referring to present-day situations. This phrase is specifically for contrasting what was achievable in the past with what is now achievable or no longer achievable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously possible" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating that a certain action, state, or capability was feasible or attainable at an earlier time. Ludwig AI confirms that "previously possible" is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previously possible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase denoting something that was achievable or conceivable in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It functions as an adjectival phrase, often serving to contrast past limitations with present advancements. While appropriate across various contexts, it is most commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a historical capability and avoids confusion with current possibilities. Consider alternatives like "formerly achievable" or "once attainable" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly achievable

Replaces "previously" with "formerly" maintaining the sense of past possibility, but emphasizing completion.

once attainable

Substitutes both words for near synonyms, focusing on the attainability aspect of the original phrase.

earlier conceivable

Emphasizes the idea of being imaginable or thinkable in the past, rather than just doable.

historically feasible

Highlights the feasibility or practicality of something within a historical context.

in the past, within reach

Expresses the concept more idiomatically, indicating that something was within the realm of possibility at some earlier point.

that was once doable

Uses more casual language to convey the idea that something was achievable at one point in time.

achievable in former times

A slightly more formal way of expressing the concept of past achievability.

used to be within the realm of possibility

A longer, more descriptive way to indicate that something was once possible.

what could be done before

Focuses on the action or capability that existed in the past.

available at an earlier time

Implies that something was accessible or obtainable at some point in the past.

FAQs

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

You can use "previously possible" to describe advancements or changes that have opened new doors. For example, "Digital channels have enabled many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to expand internationally with far lower overheads than ever "previously possible"."

What can I say instead of "previously possible"?

You can use alternatives like "formerly achievable", "once attainable", or "earlier conceivable" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "more previously possible"?

While grammatically understandable, "more previously possible" is not a standard or common phrase. It's generally better to rephrase the sentence to clarify the intended meaning using alternatives like "previously more attainable".

What's the difference between "previously possible" and "currently possible"?

"Previously possible" refers to something achievable in the past but not necessarily now, while "currently possible" describes something that is achievable now. They highlight a contrast between past and present capabilities.