previously to this

USAGE SUMMARY

"previously to this" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it when you want to refer to something that happened before the current topic of discussion. For example, "Previously to this, we discussed the different types of birds in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

And the only drama happening previously to this point was my laptop battery almost dying.

The Guardian - Music

Previously to this latest string of eruptions, it had not gone off since September 2014.

Forbes

Why do I get the feeling that this blog is merely a statement that you still believe you were right to dedicate a blog previously to this pretty dull subject.

BBC

Time is discrete (tin {1,ldots,T}.) At each (t), each (iin N) (simultaneously) decides a contribution to a public good, (c_i (t)in [0,m],) where (m>) 0. Previously to this choice, (i) learns (c_j (t-1)) for each (jin N_i (g)).

SERIEs

Another factor to consider is the fact that she had a previous termination of pregnancy in the first trimester via suction curettage previously to this pregnancy in 2012 that could cause a defect in the uterus.

BioMed Research International

But in 2012 MDM seemed to have taken (among other factors) our work into account (our findings have been notified previously to this NGO) [ 8] : " However, we also want to emphasise that the introduction of these exemption policies should in no way be detrimental to the quality of care.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Clarification: A stock photograph used previously to illustrate this story depicted a Santa Claus who was in no way associated with this incident.

Huffington Post

GS femoral component features should provide better patellar tracking, but techniques have not existed previously to test this accurately.

The Journal of Arthroplasty

To our knowledge, no realistic system was reported previously to exhibit this regime (Regime IV), and a crossover between Regimes III to IV.

Nanoscale Research Letters

FAA has been shown previously to be inactive in this model.

British Journal of Cancer

We have used this approach previously to characterize the signal transduction mechanism of the GPCR CXCR420.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previously to this", ensure the context clearly establishes what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "previously to this" in informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "before this" or "prior to this" to maintain a natural and accessible tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously to this" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a temporal relationship. It modifies a clause or sentence by specifying that something occurred before the event or situation currently being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previously to this" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate a temporal sequence, highlighting events that occurred before the current topic. According to Ludwig AI, it is indeed correct and suitable for written English. While less frequent than alternatives like "before this" or "prior to this", it provides explicit context. It's commonly found in scientific and news-related content. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and consider your audience, as it may come across as overly formal in casual settings. Remember to use it to explicitly connect past and present situations, avoiding ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prior to this

A more concise and commonly used alternative, maintaining the same meaning.

Before this

A simpler and more direct way to indicate something happened earlier.

Preceding this

Similar to "before this", but slightly more formal.

Leading up to this

Focuses on the events that preceded the current situation, emphasizing a build-up.

In advance of this

Suggests a preparatory action taken before the current event.

Up until this point

Emphasizes the duration leading to the present moment.

Anteceding this

A more formal and less common way to say "before this".

Preliminary to this

Highlights the introductory or preparatory nature of the previous event.

In the time before this

More descriptive and less concise, focusing on the period before the present.

Heretofore

A formal and somewhat archaic way to say "before now".

FAQs

How can I use "previously to this" in a sentence?

You can use "previously to this" to indicate something that occurred before the current subject or action. For example, "Previously to this, the data was analyzed using a different method."

What are some alternatives to "previously to this"?

Alternatives include "prior to this", "before this", or "leading up to this", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "previously to this", or are simpler options better?

While grammatically correct, "previously to this" can sometimes sound overly formal. Consider whether simpler options like "before this" or "prior to this" would be more appropriate for your audience and context.

How does "previously to this" compare to "previously"?

"Previously" is a more concise adverb that can often replace "previously to this" when the context is clear. However, "previously to this" explicitly connects the prior action or state to the current topic of discussion, which can sometimes be useful for clarity.