there were previously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there were previously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something existed or occurred at an earlier time before the current context. Example: "There were previously several options available for the project, but now we have narrowed it down to just one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"But there were previously scheduled events and guests that couldn't be displaced".

The New York Times

The drones could open up targets there were previously off-limits to NATO aircraft.

The Washington Post

Whereas there were previously at least four staff members, this time there were only two.

The New York Times

There were previously three buildings at this site, and now there is "nothing but rubble," according to the Pentagon.

The New York Times

By creating a systematic approach where there were previously piecemeal assemblies, he said, innovation would accelerate.

The New York Times

Mr. McCarthy said there had been 77,000 more "enforcement actions," including arrests and serving of warrants, since the middle of 2006, than there were previously.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But there is clearly more expectation around the show and this young company than there was previously when they were a sleeper show in Edinburgh.

The Guardian

Where there was previously no competition, there was now competition everywhere.

The Guardian - Business

"There was previously a real access problem for this kind of film," recalls Gant.

The Guardian - Film

Where there was previously nonchalance, calm, perhaps complacency, there is now doubt, anxiety and yes even a little dread.

Independent

Despite several fine films, there was previously little in Axel's oeuvre to predict the perfection of Babette's Feast.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there were previously" to clearly indicate a change over time, highlighting a contrast between a past state and the current situation. This is especially useful in reports, historical accounts, and analyses where context and evolution are important.

Common error

Avoid using "there are previously" as it creates a tense conflict. "Previously" indicates the past, while "are" is present tense. Instead, ensure you use the correct past tense form, which is "there were previously".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were previously" functions as an existential clause indicating a state or condition that existed in the past but is no longer present. Ludwig shows this usage across various contexts, emphasizing a contrast between past and present.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

28%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there were previously" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a past condition that has changed. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When writing, ensure you maintain tense consistency and consider alternative phrases to add variety to your writing. Avoiding errors and heeding this guidance will allow you to utilize this phrase with accuracy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there formerly were

Replaces "previously" with "formerly", emphasizing a more distant past.

earlier there had been

Inverts the structure and uses "earlier" and "had been" for a more formal tone.

before, there existed

Uses "existed" to replace "were", giving a more formal and detached feel.

in the past, there were

Adds "in the past" for emphasis, slightly changing the flow.

there used to be

Employs "used to be" to convey a habitual past condition.

once there were

Uses "once" to denote a time in the past, adding a storytelling nuance.

prior to this, there were

Adds a sense of sequence and formality with "prior to this".

there had been instances of

Rephrases to focus on instances, adding a degree of specification.

previously, it was the case that

Offers a more verbose and formal restatement of the original phrase.

at one time, there were

Uses "at one time" to indicate a specific period in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "there were previously" in a sentence?

The phrase "there were previously" is used to indicate that something existed or occurred at an earlier time. For example: "There were previously several options available, but now only one remains."

What can I say instead of "there were previously"?

You can use alternatives like "there formerly were", "there used to be", or "in the past there were" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "there are previously" instead of "there were previously"?

No, "there are previously" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "there were previously", as "previously" implies a past state, requiring the past tense verb "were".

What's the difference between "there were previously" and "there are now"?

"There were previously" indicates a past state that no longer exists, while "there are now" indicates the current state. They are often used together to highlight a change: "There were previously three buildings; now there is only rubble."