than previously thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"than previously thought" is a perfectly valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to compare something to what was believed before. For example: New evidence suggests that the problem is much more serious than previously thought.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

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

Manufacturing is much larger than previously thought.

The Economist

Conclusion: Uterine vascular malformations are more common than previously thought.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

And the effects would last much longer than previously thought.

Yale University

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

Stanford University

In fact, more diverse and abundant than previously thought.

The New York Times

It's apparently more common than previously thought, Bernanke says.

The Guardian - Business

That is about $15 million more than previously thought.

The New York Times

SHIFTING into reverse may be more dangerous than previously thought.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "than previously thought" to introduce updated information or revised understanding that contrasts with earlier perceptions. For instance, 'The effects of climate change are more severe than previously thought.'

Common error

Don't use "than previously thought" merely as filler. Ensure that the statement it qualifies actually presents a contrast or new insight. Overusing this phrase without providing substantive updates weakens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "than previously thought" functions as a comparative element within a sentence, typically modifying an adjective or adverb. It indicates that a current assessment or understanding is different from, and often greater or more significant than, an earlier one. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing its versatility across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "than previously thought" is a common and grammatically correct comparative expression used to highlight a revised understanding that contrasts with earlier perceptions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and appears frequently in science, news media, and academic contexts. This phrase serves to emphasize new insights and prompt reevaluation. When using "than previously thought", ensure you're providing a genuine contrast and avoid stating the obvious. Instead, use this phrase to introduce compelling updated information and impactful revisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than initially believed

Replaces 'thought' with 'believed', emphasizing an earlier conviction.

contrary to earlier assumptions

Highlights the contrast between current knowledge and past assumptions.

exceeding prior expectations

Focuses on exceeding what was expected beforehand.

larger than once estimated

Emphasizes the difference in size or scale compared to an earlier estimation.

different from what was anticipated

Indicates a deviation from a prior anticipation or forecast.

more complex than first appeared

Highlights the increased complexity compared to an initial assessment.

to a greater extent than foreseen

Emphasizes the degree or scope being larger than originally foreseen.

more widespread than projected

Focuses on the broader reach or distribution compared to a previous projection.

not as simple as presumed

Highlights the lack of simplicity compared to what was presumed.

underestimated until now

Indicates that something was valued lower than it should have been.

FAQs

How can I use "than previously thought" in a sentence?

Use "than previously thought" to indicate a revision of an earlier understanding. For example, 'The impact of social media on political campaigns is greater "than previously thought"'.

What are some alternatives to "than previously thought"?

You can use alternatives like "contrary to earlier assumptions", "exceeding prior expectations", or "more than initially believed" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify what was "previously thought"?

While not always mandatory, providing context about what was "previously thought" enhances clarity and impact. If the previous belief is vague, consider rephrasing or adding specifics.

What's the difference between ""than previously thought"" and "than currently believed"?

"Than previously thought" implies a change over time, while "than currently believed" focuses on contrasting present beliefs. The former is suitable when new evidence revises old assumptions; the latter when highlighting disagreement among contemporary views.