the previously existing

USAGE SUMMARY

"the previously existing" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to refer to something that existed before the present moment. For example, "The new law significantly differs from the previously existing law."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Beyond the previously existing methods to locate and detect forced oscillations, many future opportunities exist such as: 1) The relation between length of data and magnitude of PSD, as it has been shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, can be used to distinguish different types of oscillations.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

The pronunciation of one or more of the phones realizing a particular phoneme may change slightly without affecting any of the previously existing phonological distinctions; this no doubt happens quite frequently as a language is transmitted from one generation to the next.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The proposed flow sensor has potentially a higher sensitivity and a wider dynamic range than the previously existing solutions.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

After comparing these results with the state-of-art ones, we conclude that we have outperformed the previously existing results.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

A comprehensive set of drift-flux models has been recommended based on the new data and the previously existing data.

Progress in Nuclear Energy

Revegetation process is one of the important methods which can make the ecologically challenging task of restoring the previously existing ecosystem.

Ecological Processes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Dendroscope now combines the powers of C ass and the two previously existing algorithms for constructing galled- and cluster networks.

Bioinformatics

It shook and shattered the whole previously existing social system".

The New York Times

The few previously existing studies on prenatal X-ray and subtypes of CBT are based on retrospectively collected information and exposure frequency was low (Bunin et al, 1994; Schuz et al, 2001).

British Journal of Cancer

One limitation that results from the use of previously existing bias methods is the underestimation of the diffuse reflectance beyond the start of the target depth range in which the diffusive scattering is biased.

Biomedical Optics Express

Ms. Harper's team concluded that New World yaws belonged to a group distinct from Old World strains, thus occupying the place on the tree more likely to be intermediate between the nonvenereal strains previously existing in Europe and the one for modern syphilis.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing a new system or method to an older one, use "the previously existing" to clearly indicate the older system. For example: "The new algorithm outperforms the previously existing methods in terms of speed and accuracy."

Common error

Ensure that the noun modified by "previously existing" is clear from the context. If there's any ambiguity, rephrase to specify exactly what you're referring to. For example, instead of "the previously existing structure", say "the previously existing organizational structure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the previously existing" functions as a modifier to a noun, specifying that the noun existed at an earlier time. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this is common in written English. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in contrasting old and new methods, systems, or data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the previously existing" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote something that existed before a certain point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in a wide range of writing contexts. It is especially frequent in scientific and news sources, making it suitable for describing changes, replacements, or contrasts between past and present states. Related phrases include "pre-existing" and "formerly present". When using this phrase, ensure that the noun it modifies is clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the pre-existing

Uses the hyphenated form "pre-existing" as a shorter alternative to "previously existing".

the formerly present

Replaces "previously existing" with synonyms "formerly present", focusing on the past presence of something.

the prior established

Substitutes "previously existing" with "prior established", emphasizing the established nature of something before.

the already established

Replaces "previously existing" with "already established", highlighting the fact that something was already in place.

the erstwhile existing

Uses "erstwhile" to mean former, replacing "previously existing" with a more formal tone.

the antecedent established

Replaces "previously existing" with "antecedent established", which is a more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying the same thing.

the historical existing

Focuses on the historical nature of what existed before, making it fit better when the timeline is significant.

the initial present

Replaces "previously existing" with "initial present", to show something that was already present.

the earlier available

Replace "previously existing" with "earlier available", showing an alternative which was available before.

the past existing

Focuses on something existing from the past.

FAQs

How can I use "the previously existing" in a sentence?

Use "the previously existing" to describe something that existed before a certain change or event. For example, "The new software replaced "the previously existing system"".

What's a simpler way to say "the previously existing"?

Consider using "pre-existing" as a more concise alternative to "the previously existing". For example: "The company addressed pre-existing conditions".

What's the difference between "the previously existing" and "the current"?

"The previously existing" refers to something that existed in the past, while "the current" refers to something that exists now. For example, "The current policy differs significantly from the previously existing regulations".

Is it better to use "the previously existing" or "the former"?

Both can indicate something that existed earlier. "The previously existing" is more descriptive, explicitly stating something existed. "The former" is shorter, but requires the reader to understand what's being referred to from the context.