than previously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "than previously" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to compare two things or times, implying that the first thing or time was earlier or had lower values than the second. For example: "Sales figures for June were higher than previously reported."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's higher than previously thought.

The New York Times

That risk is higher than previously thought.

The New York Times

Consumer spending was weaker than previously thought.

The New York Times

That is 700 more than previously reported.

The Economist

Manufacturing is much larger than previously thought.

The Economist

"It's a different relationship than previously.

The Guardian - Sport

Would glory matter more than previously?

The Guardian - Sport

The surrounding low-pressure region extends farther than previously estimated.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This result is significantly more precise than previously reported measurements.

Princeton University

And the effects would last much longer than previously thought.

Yale University

Now, researchers find, concussion is more complex than previously thought.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "than previously" when you want to highlight a change in understanding, measurement, or expectation over time. Ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "than previously" without a clear reference point. Always ensure the reader knows what earlier state or measurement is being referenced to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "than previously" functions as an adverbial phrase used to modify comparative statements. It specifies that the comparison is being made with a state or condition that existed at an earlier time. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "than previously" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to compare a present state with a past one. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, making it suitable for a range of writing styles from neutral to formal. The key is to ensure the sentence clearly indicates the point of comparison to avoid ambiguity. If you need to change the comparison, remember to explore alternatives such as "more than before" or "contrary to earlier belief".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

More than before

Emphasizes a general comparison to a past state, without specifying a previous expectation.

In contrast to what was thought

Similar to 'contrary to earlier belief' but with a slightly different emphasis.

Contrary to previous forecasts

Highlights that a current forecast differs from past predictions.

Contrary to earlier belief

Highlights a direct contradiction to a prior held opinion or understanding.

As opposed to earlier assumptions

Emphasizes a direct conflict with earlier assumptions.

Exceeding previous estimates

Specifies that a current measurement or value is higher than past estimations.

Surpassing prior expectations

Similar to exceeding previous estimates with emphasizes future hope.

Beyond what was initially expected

Highlights that something has gone further than the initial anticipation.

Unlike the past

Focuses on the divergence from a previous time or situation.

Differently than before

Focuses on the altered manner or method, rather than the degree of change.

FAQs

How do I use "than previously" in a sentence?

Use "than previously" to compare a current state, measurement, or understanding with a past one. For example, "The company's profits are higher "than previously" reported."

What's a good alternative to "than previously"?

Alternatives include "more than before", "contrary to earlier belief", or "unlike the past", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "than previously thought"?

While it might seem redundant, "than previously thought" is a common and acceptable way to emphasize a change in understanding or perception. It highlights that current knowledge differs from prior assumptions.

When should I use "than previously" instead of "than before"?

"Than previously" is suitable when you want to emphasize that something was different based on a specific prior understanding or report. Use "than before" for a more general comparison without implying a prior expectation.