previously speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously speaking" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when referring to something that was mentioned or discussed earlier in a conversation or text, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "Previously speaking, we discussed the importance of teamwork in our project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

(Neither had ever previously spoken to a journalist).

The New Yorker

Pitt has previously spoken of his "nomadic family".

Independent

Stenberg has previously spoken out against cultural appropriation.

Independent

— Michael Schulman Jason Adam Katzensteinin 10 42 P.M. https://twitter.com/asarahlarson/status/970503686010044417 James Ivory previously spoke with Sarah Larson about his life and work.

The New Yorker

Wilders has previously spoken dismissively of "the sinister green-windmill subsidy complex".

The Guardian

Earlier e-mail shows that Mr. Lay and Mr. Gramm had previously spoken about the legislation.

The New York Times

He had also previously spoken in favour of South Korea and Japan having nuclear weapons.

The Guardian

(I'm fairly sure he's previously spoken out against the mansion tax).

The Guardian

— Michael Schulman Jason Adam Katzensteinin 10 42 P.M. James Ivory previously spoke with Sarah Larson about his life and work.

The New Yorker

James has previously spoken out in support of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

The Guardian

Isaacs has previously spoken of being "heartbroken and frustrated" over the matter.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "previously speaking" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more common alternatives like "as previously mentioned" or "earlier stated".

Common error

Using "previously speaking" may sound unnatural to native English speakers. Choose a more standard construction to ensure clarity and avoid miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously speaking" functions as an adverbial modifier, attempting to specify the timing of a verbal action. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this construction is not standard or grammatically correct, suggesting that it doesn't effectively serve its intended function in common English usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previously speaking" is not recommended for use in English writing or speech. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically awkward and lacks common usage. Instead, opt for more standard and readily understood alternatives such as "as previously mentioned", "earlier stated", or "previously discussed". These alternatives ensure clarity and avoid potential miscommunication. As shown by the lack of examples, even though it might seem grammaticaly correct, it's not a good option to use it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussed previously

Highlights a prior discussion on a topic, more formal than "mentioned before".

spoke earlier

Replaces "previously speaking" with a simpler, more direct phrase indicating a prior conversation.

stated earlier

Emphasizes a formal declaration or statement made at a prior time.

previously addressed

Suggests a formal and direct handling of an issue or topic in the past.

mentioned before

Focuses on the act of mentioning something in the past, suitable for written or spoken contexts.

remarked previously

Highlights a past comment or observation.

commented earlier

Similar to "remarked previously", but can also apply to less formal situations.

indicated before

Suggests a subtle or indirect communication in the past.

touched on earlier

Implies a brief or superficial discussion of a topic in the past.

already said

A more casual way to indicate that something has been expressed earlier.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "previously speaking"?

Consider using phrases like "as previously mentioned", "earlier stated", or "previously discussed" for clearer communication.

Is "previously speaking" grammatically correct?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "previously speaking" is an awkward and uncommon phrase. It's better to use more standard alternatives for improved clarity.

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

It is best to avoid using "previously speaking" in favor of more common phrases like "as I mentioned earlier" or "as we discussed before".

What's the difference between "previously speaking" and "previously mentioned"?

"Previously mentioned" is a more concise and widely accepted phrase than "previously speaking", which can sound awkward in most contexts.