previously then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously then" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to refer back to something mentioned earlier and then indicate a subsequent point, but it is better to use clearer alternatives. Example: "Previously then, we discussed the importance of data analysis in decision-making."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

If that hasn't been the message previously, then it's sad.

The Guardian - Sport

And good news — if you already filled it out previously, then you only have to fill out seven additional pages.

The New York Times

If a crime takes 27 years to solve and the murderer had been interviewed previously, then surely something should have been done differently.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"If he has a grievance and does hold it against me that I haven't selected him previously, then there is not much I can do about that".

Independent

However, he added: "If the insurgents did indeed get back into the truck and drove off in the same direction as previously, then they probably acted unwisely, in a way that called into question their act of surrender … The US airmen might legitimately reckon that the truck contained weapons and that the men could be intending to rejoin the fight sooner or later".

The Guardian

Digg is developing a smart suggestion system that will consider the type of stories a user has dugg previously then suggest similar stories based on that history.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The bugs in question had been fed a week previously, and then starved, so they were eager to eat.

The Economist

Then, RNA FISH was carried out as described previously, and then fixed for 3 min at room temperature with 2% PFA.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

A few years previously its then controller Lesley Douglas had looked to expand its appeal with personalities such as Russell Brand and George Lamb.

The Guardian

Just as in the Romantic era, advances in technology are now allowing us to measure the previously unmeasurable – then distant galaxies, now networks of millions of people.

The Guardian - Opinion

That was the step that they had been missing previously and then it was their courage and real combat that led to everything else.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "previously then" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more concise alternatives such as "previously" or "then" depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

Using "previously then" often results in redundancy, as both words indicate a temporal sequence. To avoid this, choose the word that best fits the context or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously then" functions as an adverbial phrase, aiming to indicate a sequence of events or actions occurring in the past. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it's often considered redundant because both words carry temporal meaning, creating ambiguity and awkwardness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previously then" attempts to link two past events sequentially, yet it frequently results in redundancy, making it non-standard in English writing. Ludwig AI marks this as a potentially confusing construction. While it appears across diverse sources like Science and News & Media, clearer options like "previously" or "then" alone, or alternatives such as "before that", "subsequently" and "formerly" are recommended for enhanced clarity. Avoid "previously then" in formal writing to steer clear of awkward phrasing and potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before that, subsequently

Replaces "previously then" with a more explicit sequence indicator.

prior to that, afterward

Emphasizes the temporal order of events more clearly.

formerly, and consequently

Provides a formal alternative to describe a sequence with a cause-and-effect relationship.

in the past, subsequently

Offers a simple and direct way to indicate time progression.

earlier, and as a result

Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship tied to a specific past event.

previously, and therefore

Similar to "earlier, and as a result", but more formal.

in earlier times, and therefore

Refers to a more distant past with a subsequent conclusion.

beforehand, and thus

Highlights preparation or anticipation before an event and its outcome.

at an earlier time, and so

Focuses on a precise moment in the past and its direct effect.

once, and consequently

Highlights a single event in the past and its resulting consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "previously then" in a sentence correctly?

While "previously then" isn't considered standard English, you might use it to emphasize a sequence. However, it's often clearer to use either "previously" or "then" separately or rephrase. For example, instead of saying "We had an issue, and "previously then" another issue occurred" consider saying "We had an issue, and "subsequently" another issue occurred".

What can I say instead of "previously then"?

Alternatives include "previously", "then", "before that", or "subsequently". The best choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "previously then"?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "previously then" is often considered redundant and stylistically weak. It is generally better to choose one word or rephrase for improved clarity and flow.

What's the difference between using "previously" and "previously then"?

"Previously" indicates something that happened before the current time or event. "Previously then" attempts to combine this with the sequential nature of "then", but this can create redundancy. In most cases, "previously" or "then" alone will suffice, or you might need to rephrase the sentence to emphasize the sequence more clearly.