previously understood

USAGE SUMMARY

"previously understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that was previously established or previously accepted. For example, "Previously understood theories of physics had to be re-evaluated after the discovery of quantum mechanics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This suggests that the number of false convictions is higher than previously understood.

The New York Times

The Severn Project has annual revenues of £115,000, not £350,000 as previously understood.

The Guardian

Genentech said it had previously understood that the F.D.A. would not require such data.

The New York Times

Few of us previously understood just how exhaustively the American news media would follow a celebrity story.

The New York Times

The location of where the drives were manufactured was not previously understood by the downstream value chain.

The Guardian

This calculation seemed to prove that Williams was even more superhuman an athlete than was previously understood.

The New Yorker

Friday's report will show that the interaction of human and natural influences is more complicated than was previously understood.

Independent

But the sting of social rejection may be more like the ouch! of physical pain than previously understood.

The New York Times

But the investigation also suggests that Nasdaq's shortcomings were, in some ways, much deeper and more widespread than previously understood.

The New York Times

In a 1981 report, Ms. Rivlin found that the bonds were in much wider use than previously understood.

The New York Times

The scientists say 18th- and 19th-century dams and millponds, built by the thousands, altered the water flow in the region in a way not previously understood.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previously understood" to clearly indicate a shift in knowledge or perception, contrasting it with the current understanding.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear when something was "previously understood". Without a clear timeframe, the phrase can become vague and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously understood" functions as a modifier, typically used to describe a concept, theory, or situation that was interpreted or known differently in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. The phrase often sets a contrast with a current, revised understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Opinion

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previously understood" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate a contrast between past and present knowledge. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English writing. Its primary function is to modify a concept or idea, highlighting a shift in understanding. The phrase exhibits a neutral register, fitting diverse contexts from scientific reports to news articles. It is crucial to use "previously understood" with a clear timeframe to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "originally understood" or "formerly understood" can offer slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

originally understood

Focuses on the initial or earliest interpretation.

formerly understood

Emphasizes that the understanding was held in the past.

already understood

Highlights that the knowledge was in place before a certain point.

hitherto understood

Implies the understanding existed up until the present moment.

previously known

Shifts the focus from understanding to general awareness.

as was known before

More verbose, emphasizing prior knowledge.

what was earlier known

Highlights the temporal aspect of previous knowledge.

as people understood it before

More conversational and emphasizes people's interpretation.

what had been thought before

More formal and emphasizes past opinions.

what we used to know

Informal and emphasizes the shift in understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "previously understood" to indicate a change in knowledge or perception. For example, "The risks were far greater than "previously understood"" or "Scientists revised the model based on new data that challenged "previously understood" assumptions."

What are some alternatives to "previously understood"?

Alternatives include "originally understood", "formerly understood", or "already understood", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "previously understand" instead of "previously understood"?

No, "previously understand" is grammatically incorrect. "Understood" is the past participle form and is required when using "previously" to describe a state of understanding.

What is the difference between "previously understood" and "recently understood"?

"Previously understood" refers to something that was known or believed in the past but is no longer considered accurate or complete. "Recently understood" implies a new or recent discovery or realization.