previously used to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously used to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a past habit or state that is no longer true. Example: "I was previously used to working late hours, but now I prefer a more balanced schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Recording of static images and cine clips was previously used to analyze US evaluations [ 20].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Heroin production - previously used to fund terrorist networks there- is soaring again.

The Guardian

Had the cups been previously used to hold fistfuls of tokens?

The New Yorker

Similarly, the agency has declassified satellite photographs of a site previously used to manufacture arms.

The New York Times

They will be taken to containers within a secure area of the camp previously used to house adults.

The Guardian

Many of today's arguments for excluding young people were previously used to keep the vote from women.

The Guardian

She says: "Kate has become very popular with our new and existing customers, who were previously used to seeing me in reception.

The Guardian

Rodenticide baits have been previously used to eradicate rats on more than 20 other Caribbean islands, conservationists say, without harming native wildlife.

The Guardian

He said federal funding that his office had previously used to supplement city funding has dried up after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The New York Times

The regulator's fines were previously used to fund its operations, but in 2012 Osborne changed the law to divert the money to the Treasury.

The Guardian - Business

In what analysts have called the "alcohol bomb," Brazil has transferred sugar to export markets that was previously used to produce alcohol.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previously used to" to highlight a change or transition. It's effective when contrasting past practices with current ones.

Common error

Avoid confusing "previously used to" with the simple past habit "used to". "Previously used to" emphasizes a prior application, while "used to" indicates a past habit or state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously used to" functions as a past participle phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a prior state or purpose. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previously used to" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed past participle phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and useful part of the English language. Its main function is to provide context about the prior state or function of something, and it appears most commonly in science and news media. When writing, it’s important to ensure that you're not confusing it with the simple past habit "used to", and that the context is clear about what was used and for what purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly utilized for

Emphasizes the past use of something for a specific purpose.

previously employed in

Highlights the prior application of something within a particular context or role.

once used to

Indicates a past habit or state that is no longer true.

had been used for

Focuses on the past perfect aspect, indicating an action completed before another point in time.

in the past used for

Explicitly specifies that the use occurred at some point in the past.

historically used in

Highlights the historical aspect of the usage.

earlier applied to

Focuses on the temporal aspect of a prior application.

before used for

Indicates that something was used for a specific purpose before the current situation.

already used for

Emphasizes that the use has happened at least once before.

customarily used for

Highlights a prior custom or habitual use.

FAQs

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

You can use "previously used to" to describe something that was used for a specific purpose in the past. For example, "This room was "previously used to" store equipment".

What are some alternatives to "previously used to"?

Some alternatives include "formerly utilized for", "previously employed in", or "once used to", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "previously used to" and "used to"?

Yes, "previously used to" emphasizes a prior application or function, while "used to" indicates a past habit or state. For instance, "This ingredient was "previously used to" enhance flavor" versus "I "used to" live here".

What is the best way to use "previously used to" in formal writing?

In formal writing, "previously used to" should be followed by a clear and specific description of the past use or application. For example, "The methodology was "previously used to" analyze similar datasets".