previously was

USAGE SUMMARY

"previously was" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has changed over time. For example, "The company previously was known as ABC Corp, but in 2020 it changed its name to XYZ Corp."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

She previously was a features editor at Essence magazine.

Harvard University

He previously was a professor at Princeton University.

Harvard University

He previously was a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard.

Princeton University

And whom did they miss who previously was found?

The New York Times

The largest award previously was $14m in October 2013.

The Guardian - Business

The most previously was 173 yards by Tennessee.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

We had both previously been at Winoker.

The New York Times

It had not previously been made public.

The New York Times

The account had previously been handled internally.

The New York Times

The building had previously been the St . Moritz Hotel

The New York Times

The assignment had previously been handled internally.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previously was" to clearly indicate a change in state, role, or condition over time. This phrase is helpful for providing context and showing how something has evolved.

Common error

Avoid redundant phrasing such as "previously was before" or "previously was in the past". The word "previously" already implies a past state, so additional time indicators are unnecessary and create awkward phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously was" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past state, condition, or role that has since changed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound expression commonly used to provide context by contrasting a past situation with the present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previously was" serves as a valuable tool for indicating past conditions that have changed over time. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in academic and news contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for various writing styles. While alternatives like "used to be" and "formerly was" exist, "previously was" offers a clear and concise way to provide historical context. Remember to avoid redundant phrasing, such as "previously was before", to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

used to be

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

formerly was

A more formal synonym for "previously was", indicating a past role or state.

had been

Emphasizes the completion of an action or state before another point in the past.

once was

Suggests a past state or condition, often implying a sense of nostalgia or change.

before was

Highlights the temporal sequence of events, indicating what existed before.

prior to being

A more formal construction expressing what existed before a current state or role.

antecedently was

A highly formal and less common synonym, emphasizing precedence in time.

in the past was

A more explicit way of stating something existed at an earlier time.

at one time was

Indicates a past state that no longer holds true.

earlier was

Implies that something was true or existent at a former time.

FAQs

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

You can use "previously was" to indicate a change in condition, state, or role. For example, "The building "previously was" a hotel but is now an apartment complex."

What are some alternatives to "previously was"?

Some alternatives include "used to be", "formerly was", or "had been", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "previously was before"?

No, it is redundant. "Previously" already implies "before", so saying "previously was before" is unnecessary.

What's the difference between "previously was" and "currently is"?

"Previously was" indicates a past state, while "currently is" indicates the present state. They are used to contrast a past situation with the present one.