previously thought possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously thought possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that was believed to be achievable or feasible in the past but may have changed with new information or developments. Example: "The results of the experiment revealed outcomes that were previously thought possible, challenging our understanding of the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Working closely with partners and building processes to identify and address bias will help all of us continue AI's advancement beyond what we previously thought possible – and possibly, even boldly going where no human has gone before.

Forbes

The housing market has, in recent years, sustained much higher valuations than was previously thought possible.

The Economist

In the 10 years between 1998 and 2008, something that many had not previously thought possible occurred in Scotland.

The Guardian - Opinion

Greenspan perceived that something fundamental had changed, allowing faster rates of noninflationary growth and lower unemployment than previously thought possible.

The New York Times - Books

And even if buildings are structurally safe, the March quake has shown that skyscrapers can teeter more than many engineers had previously thought possible.

The New York Times

In the past few decades it has become clear that estrogen signaling plays a much larger role in modulating the cognitive centers of the brain than previously thought possible.

Neuroscience

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

What I didn't know is that living in China would unlock opportunities -- and, indeed, a renewed sense of optimism -- that would lead me to a level of personal and professional success I didn't previously think possible.

Huffington Post

In phase I III studies, these agents have exceeded expectations and achieved rates of response previously not thought possible.

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Only a year ago we and the US were part of a coalition against terrorism which was wider and more diverse than I would previously have thought possible.

The Guardian

We therefore suggest that in many interventional settings there exists potential to reduce drug dose much further than has previously been thought possible yet still maintaining efficacy.

Nature

Driven by miniaturisation, the affordability of components such as cheap Bluetooth sensors, and the growing ubiquity of technologies such as Wi-Fi, it is now possible to connect devices in a way that would never have previously been thought possible.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previously thought possible" to highlight a shift in understanding or capability. It's effective when contrasting past beliefs with current realities.

Common error

Avoid using "previously thought possible" when referring to something that was simply not attempted before, rather than something genuinely believed to be unachievable. Ensure there was a prior, informed assessment of impossibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously thought possible" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun or situation where past limitations or beliefs have been surpassed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previously thought possible" is a versatile expression used to emphasize advancements or shifts in understanding across various fields. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its common occurrence in News & Media, Science, and Academia, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a genuine change in what was believed achievable, rather than a simple lack of prior attempts. Related phrases, such as "formerly deemed achievable" or "once considered feasible", offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings with subtle differences in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly deemed achievable

Replaces "previously" with "formerly" and "thought possible" with "deemed achievable", resulting in a more formal tone.

once considered feasible

Substitutes "previously thought" with "once considered" and "possible" with "feasible", altering the emphasis to past considerations of feasibility.

earlier believed attainable

Replaces "previously thought" with "earlier believed" and "possible" with "attainable", creating a slightly more literary tone.

what used to be conceivable

Shifts the focus to past conceivability, using a more descriptive and less direct phrasing.

what was formerly imaginable

Emphasizes the shift in imagination or conceptualization, highlighting a change in perspective over time.

that which was once within reach

Focuses on the idea of something being attainable in the past, using a more metaphorical and descriptive expression.

regarded as feasible in the past

Rephrases the idea to emphasize that something was regarded as feasible at a point in the past.

considered viable at an earlier time

Replaces "thought possible" with "considered viable", making the phrase sound more appropriate for technical or business contexts.

assumed achievable before

Uses "assumed achievable" to convey a past expectation, presenting a slightly less formal tone.

deemed within the realm of possibility earlier

This alternative is longer and more elaborate, placing emphasis on a shift in what is considered within the "realm of possibility".

FAQs

How can I use "previously thought possible" in a sentence?

You can use "previously thought possible" to describe a situation where advancements have exceeded past limitations. For instance: "The new technology achieved results that were "previously thought possible" only in theory."

What are some alternatives to "previously thought possible"?

Alternatives include phrases like "formerly deemed achievable", "once considered feasible", or "earlier believed attainable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "previously think possible" instead of "previously thought possible"?

No, "previously think possible" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""previously thought possible"", using the past participle "thought" to indicate a past belief.

What's the difference between "previously thought possible" and "never thought possible"?

"Previously thought possible" implies something was once believed achievable but is now even more so due to advancements. "Never thought possible" suggests something was always considered beyond reach until now.