previously to using

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously to using" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would be "prior to using." Example: "Prior to using the new software, make sure to read the user manual."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

McConnell has also tried previously to use an obscure, rarely successful maneuver to allow Congress to vote it down.

The Guardian

Previously, to use Vine on the web, you had to be signed in or hunt down the URL for a user profile.

TechCrunch

Rats had been shown previously to use visual signals for behavioural decisions [ 45].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Some of these recordings were previously put to use on Hidden Conversations, Callier's final album, released in 2009.

The Guardian - Music

It was previously licensed to use those figures only for its infant and preschool lines.

Los Angeles Times

TV news previously tended to use newsreels, while Huntley-Brinkley used NBC cameramen at the sight of the action.

Huffington Post

Previously, developers had to use the weaker Core Graphics to manipulate images on the iPhone.

TechCrunch

Previously, visitors had to use a departmental entrance at the rear of the Victorian building.

BBC

This compared to previously using colognes, deodorant, shampoo, lotions and all sorts of other products full of chemicals.

HuffPost

SNPs correspond to previously used SNPs to genotype 80 RILs [ 6].

BMC Genomics

Previously it was necessary to use NMODL for reaction-diffusion.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating an action that occurred before another, use "prior to using" or simply "before using" for grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "previously to using" as it is not grammatically correct. Instead, opt for "prior to using" or other alternatives to ensure clear and standard English usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously to using" functions as an attempted prepositional phrase aimed at indicating temporal sequence. As noted by Ludwig AI, this specific construction does not adhere to standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previously to using" is grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct and preferred alternatives include "prior to using" or simply "before using". These alternatives accurately convey the intended meaning of indicating an action that occurs before another, while adhering to established grammatical norms. It's best to avoid "previously to using" in formal writing and opt for these clearer, more accepted options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prior to using

Replaces "previously to" with the more grammatically correct "prior to", maintaining the meaning of 'before'.

Before using

Uses a simple and direct preposition to indicate sequence, avoiding the grammatical issue.

Ahead of using

Offers a slightly more informal alternative to 'before', still indicating a time sequence.

In advance of using

Provides a more formal way of saying 'before', emphasizing preparation.

Before the use of

Restructures the phrase to focus on the use itself, clarifying the temporal relationship.

Earlier than using

Directly compares the timing of two actions, explicitly indicating that one happens before the other.

Formerly using

Indicates a past state of using something, shifting the focus to a previous practice.

In the past, using

Clearly specifies that the action of using occurred in the past.

At an earlier time, using

Emphasizes the temporal aspect, highlighting that the 'using' action happened at a prior point.

Previously utilizing

Replaces "using" with "utilizing," which is more formal, and keeps "previously" to indicate time.

FAQs

What is a correct alternative to "previously to using"?

A grammatically sound alternative is "prior to using", which accurately conveys the intended meaning of 'before using'.

Is it acceptable to use "previously to using" in formal writing?

No, "previously to using" is not considered standard English and should be avoided in formal writing. Use "before using" or "prior to using" instead.

How can I rephrase a sentence that includes "previously to using" to improve clarity?

Rephrase it using "before using" followed by the object or action. For example, instead of "previously to using this software", say "before using this software".

What's the difference between "previously to using" and "previously used"?

"Previously used" implies something was used in the past, while "previously to using" (though grammatically incorrect) attempts to indicate an action before another action. "Previously used" is grammatically correct; for the other meaning, use "prior to using".