Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
was documented previously
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "was documented previously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or events that have been recorded or noted at an earlier time. Example: "The findings of the study were significant and were documented previously in the research paper."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
A detailed description of the coculture was documented previously [15].
Science
A similar loss of highly expressing cells was documented previously for mKO2 [ 5].
Science
The effect of ethylene on root aerenchyma formation was documented previously in rice (Nishiuchi et al. 2012).
Science
The ER status of Chinese breast cancer was documented previously and the positivity varied from 45.3% to 67% [ 31- 35].
Science
Prolonged shedding of viral RNA in respiratory secretions (11 days after illness onset), plasma (up to 9 days), and stool specimens (25 days) was documented previously (6 ).
Science
The occurrence of cDNA synthesis in absence of RT primers or in the presence of false primers was documented previously [ 2], and it was attributed to a lack of stringency causing false priming or priming by other RNA molecules present in solution along with the target RNA [ 2].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
"It's not been documented previously that bacterial genes got into the human genome.
News & Media
Results from 2005-2010, including the 3-year transition period, were documented previously (Caldwell et al. 2014).
Academia
Some of these landforms have been documented previously in association with jökulhlaups.
Science
The phenomenon has been documented previously in people with heart failure, hypertension and kidney disease.
News & Media
The kinematic details and muscle activation patterns of terrestrial locomotion in Protopterus has been documented previously in multiple individuals23.
Science & Research
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "was documented previously", ensure that there is an accessible reference or source that supports the claim being made. This enhances credibility and allows readers to verify the information.
Common error
While "was documented previously" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make writing sound impersonal or vague. Consider rephrasing the sentence in the active voice when appropriate for a more direct and engaging style.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "was documented previously" functions as a passive construction indicating that something has been recorded or noted at an earlier time. It's commonly used to refer to prior findings, events, or information. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in academic and scientific contexts.
Frequent in
Science
71%
News & Media
14%
Academia
14%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "was documented previously" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for indicating that something has been recorded or noted at an earlier time. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is most commonly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, reflecting its formal and objective tone. While alternatives exist, such as "was previously recorded" or "was earlier reported", the original phrase is widely understood and accepted. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure the presence of a reference to maintain credibility. Remember to be aware of the overuse of passive voice in writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
was previously recorded
Changes "documented" to "recorded", focusing on the act of recording information.
was earlier reported
Replaces "documented" with "reported", suggesting a formal announcement or communication.
was established before
Substitutes "documented previously" with "established before", emphasizing that something has been confirmed or proven earlier.
had been previously established
Adds "had been" for emphasis and changes "documented" to "established", highlighting prior confirmation.
was known beforehand
Replaces "documented previously" with "known beforehand", indicating prior awareness.
has been detailed prior
Switches "was" to "has been" and "documented" to "detailed", suggesting thorough description in the past.
was formerly registered
Changes "documented" to "registered", implying a formal record or listing.
was on record earlier
Replaces "documented previously" with "on record earlier", highlighting the presence of an official record.
had been cataloged before
Emphasizes cataloging by using "cataloged before" instead of "documented previously".
was archived earlier
Replaces "documented" with "archived", suggesting the information was stored for preservation.
FAQs
How can I use "was documented previously" in a sentence?
You can use "was documented previously" to indicate that a particular fact, event, or finding has been recorded or noted in earlier instances. For example, "The effectiveness of this treatment "was documented previously" in a clinical trial".
What are some alternatives to "was documented previously"?
Alternatives include phrases like "was previously recorded", "was earlier reported", or "was established before", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was documented previously"?
While "was documented previously" is in the passive voice, its appropriateness depends on the context. If the focus is on the fact that something was recorded, passive voice is suitable. If the focus is on who documented it, active voice might be better. For example, "Researchers documented this finding previously".
What's the difference between "was documented previously" and "is documented previously"?
"Was documented previously" indicates that the documentation occurred in the past, while "is documented previously" suggests the documentation is ongoing or continues to be recorded. The former is generally more appropriate when referring to a specific, completed instance of documentation.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested