previously reliable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously reliable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that was dependable or trustworthy in the past but may not be currently. Example: "The data from the study was previously reliable, but recent findings have called its accuracy into question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

How did something as basic, and previously reliable, as electricity become such a problem?

The New York Times

Here Arabs see mainly the loss of previously reliable supporters of their cause against Israel.

The Economist

Some previously reliable Republican states like Nevada are in play, and there are generally more states not locked into the red-blue grid of the past.

The New York Times

"The picture was provided by a previously reliable supplier in Kenya who had received it along with some genuine CCTV images from the mall.

The Guardian

Only three had buyers, while the other 15 were going up in the previously reliable expectation that they would be sold before their completion.

The New York Times

Nine outs from victory in Philadelphia, the Mets turned to their previously reliable bullpen, and saw the first sign that their foundation was cracking.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Authorities would provide only vague details about the informant and his connections to Los Zetas, saying that he had been charged in the United States with narcotics crimes and that those charges had been dropped because he had "previously provided reliable and independently corroborated information to federal law enforcement agents" that "led to numerous seizures of narcotics".

The New York Times

Yet even Belarus, previously a reliable Russian ally, has reacted to the August war by nervously putting out feelers to Brussels.Over the past three decades enlargement by the EU to take in new members has proved to be the most effective tool for promoting economic reform and securing liberal democracy.

The Economist

Numerical results are compared with previously published reliable data.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Our own source has also previously proven reliable with unreleased Apple info.

TechCrunch

Results are compared with previously published reliable data for both the isosceles as well as the general triangles.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previously reliable", clearly indicate what caused the shift in reliability to provide context for the change. For example, "The software was previously reliable, but recent updates have introduced bugs."

Common error

Avoid assuming that something "previously reliable" remains so without verification. Changes in circumstances or conditions may affect its current dependability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously reliable" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a state of past dependability. Ludwig examples illustrate usage across various contexts, highlighting its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previously reliable" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that was dependable in the past but is no longer so. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts, especially in news and scientific domains. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify what caused the shift in reliability. Remember to verify continued reliability, as conditions change. Consider alternatives like "formerly dependable" or "once trustworthy" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly dependable

Replaces "previously" with "formerly" and "reliable" with "dependable", emphasizing a past state.

once trustworthy

Substitutes "previously" with "once" and "reliable" with "trustworthy", highlighting a change in trustworthiness.

used to be reliable

Uses a more explicit phrasing to indicate a past state of reliability.

in the past, reliable

Rearranges the sentence structure to emphasize the time aspect.

formerly a source of trust

Focuses on the quality of being a source of trust in the past.

historically dependable

Emphasizes the historical aspect of dependability.

what was once reliable

Uses a clause structure to highlight the past reliability.

previously a safe bet

Uses idiomatic expression instead of reliable.

once a solid performer

Focuses on the performance aspect of reliability.

formerly a constant

Highlights stability or constancy in the past.

FAQs

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

You can use "previously reliable" to describe something or someone that was dependable or trustworthy in the past but may not be currently. For example: "The data from the study was "previously reliable", but recent findings have called its accuracy into question."

What can I say instead of "previously reliable"?

You can use alternatives like "formerly dependable", "once trustworthy", or "used to be reliable" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "previously reliable" and "currently reliable"?

"Previously reliable" indicates something that was dependable in the past, while "currently reliable" indicates something dependable now. The key difference is the time frame and whether the reliability still holds.

Is it appropriate to use "previously reliable" in formal writing?

Yes, "previously reliable" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to indicate a change in dependability, and it is commonly used in academic, business, and news contexts.