previously so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to something that was mentioned earlier, indicating that the situation or condition remains the same as it was before. Example: "The results of the experiment were inconclusive, and previously so were the findings of the related studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

At that moment, Bomba – previously so controlled, so fluent – halts.

The Guardian

And China was previously so poor because its authoritarian government embraced atrocious economic policies for decades.

The Economist

Relatedly, China's recent growth rates have been fast because China was previously so poor.

The Economist

"I'd been a musician previously, so I knew what it was like to get the gigs and stuff like that.

The New York Times - Arts

As researchers this means that answering the 'how' becomes as important to the 'what' we were previously so engaged with.

The Guardian

But transactions completing now will have been agreed several months previously, so the figures lag the marketplace.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The previously so-called "caspase-independent cell death" triggered by death receptors has been reported to be RIP-dependent [15].

Plosone

It stops cities expanding, which had previously done so for centuries.

The Guardian

But there had previously been so much misinformation that it did not cause any harm.

The New York Times - Magazine

The new Somali government includes some of the warlords who previously caused so much destruction.

The Guardian

The discovery of Bd explained many of the data that had previously seemed so puzzling.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previously so", ensure the sentence structure provides a clear reference point for what was previously the case. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the comparison you're making.

Common error

Avoid using "previously so" without establishing a clear point of reference. Ensure your audience understands what state you're comparing the current situation to, or you risk confusing your readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously so" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a manner or degree that existed at an earlier time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previously so" is a versatile phrase used to contrast a current condition with a prior one. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While it functions as an adverbial modifier emphasizing a comparison, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly establishes what "previously so" refers to, to avoid any ambiguity. For alternatives, consider "formerly thus" for a more formal tone, while being mindful of the context to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly thus

Replaces 'previously' with 'formerly', a more formal synonym, and 'so' with 'thus', also increasing formality.

earlier in that manner

Substitutes 'previously' with 'earlier' and 'so' with 'in that manner', providing a more descriptive but less concise alternative.

in the past to that extent

Rephrases the concept to focus on a past condition or degree, changing the emphasis slightly.

prior to this degree

Highlights a change from a prior state to a current degree, which can imply a comparison.

previously to this level

Similar to 'prior to this degree', this option focuses on a change in level or intensity from a past state.

so it was before

Inverts the structure to emphasize the past state, providing a more conversational tone.

as it used to be

Emphasizes a past habit or state that is no longer the case, implying a change over time.

in that way before

Simplifies the wording to focus on a manner or method that occurred earlier.

to such a degree earlier

Focuses on a previous extent or magnitude, changing the emphasis from a general state to a specific degree.

heretofore in such a way

Replaces 'previously' with 'heretofore' which is far more formal, and 'so' with 'in such a way', drastically increasing formality and archaism.

FAQs

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

Use "previously so" to compare a past state with the current one, for example: "The company's profits were high last year, but not "previously so" this quarter."

What does "previously so" mean?

"Previously so" means "in the past to the extent or degree mentioned earlier". It's used to indicate that a current situation is different from how it was before.

Are there any formal alternatives to "previously so"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "formerly thus" or "heretofore in such a way", though these might sound archaic.

Is it correct to say "previously so"?

Yes, the phrase "previously so" is grammatically correct and used in English. It indicates a comparison between a current state and a prior one.