previously served as

USAGE SUMMARY

"previously served as" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a location or role that a person had before their current situation. For example, "She previously served as the Vice President of Marketing at ABC Enterprises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She previously served as CSRwire's editorial director.

The Guardian

He had previously served as Iran's deputy minister of culture.

The Guardian

Mr. Miner previously served as its deputy commissioner.

The New York Times

Lynch previously served as US attorney in Brooklyn.

The Guardian

Plotnitskiy previously served as LNR's de facto defence minister.

The Guardian

Mr. Antonucci previously served as the Massachusetts education commissioner.

The New York Times

He previously served as regional managing director at Comerica.

The Washington Post

He previously served as the state's lieutenant governor.

The New York Times

He previously served as governor of the state (2003 11).

Britannica

They both previously served as associate White House counsels.

The New York Times

Thomas Suozzi's uncle, Vincent, previously served as mayor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previously served as", ensure that the context clearly defines the timeframe or scope of the previous role to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using present or future tense verbs with "previously served as". Ensure the verb tense reflects the past nature of the role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously served as" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past role or position held by an individual or entity. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used to provide context about someone's background.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science & Research

5%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previously served as" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to describe a prior role or position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, with frequent usage in News & Media and Academia. When using the phrase, make sure to specify the role and timeframe clearly, and avoid using incorrect verb tenses. Alternatives like "formerly held the position of" offer similar meanings, providing flexibility in writing. The phrase functions to add credibility and provide background information, making it a valuable tool in professional and formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly held the position of

Replaces "served as" with a more formal expression, emphasizing the position held.

beforehand was in the position of

Emphasizes the chronological order of the roles.

had previously been

Emphasizes the state of having been in a role before the current one.

prior role was

Focuses on the role itself, stating it was held in the past.

once acted as

Uses "acted as" to convey a temporary or specific role.

formerly was employed as

Specifies employment in a past role.

earlier functioned as

Highlights the function or purpose of the role.

previously worked as

Similar to "employed as" but slightly less formal.

at one time served as

Indicates that the service was limited to a particular period.

used to be

Offers a simpler, more informal way to express a past role.

FAQs

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

You can use "previously served as" to describe a person's past role before their current one. For example, "She "previously served as CEO" of the company before becoming the chairwoman".

What are some alternatives to "previously served as"?

Alternatives include "formerly held the position of", "once acted as", or "had previously been". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality you need.

Is it redundant to say "previously served as"?

While "served as" implies a past action, adding "previously" emphasizes that the role is no longer held. It is not necessarily redundant and can provide clarity.

Which is correct, "previously served as" or "formerly served as"?

Both "previously served as" and "formerly served as" are correct and have similar meanings. "Formerly" might be slightly more formal, but both are widely accepted.