was previously believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was previously believed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a belief or assumption that has changed over time, indicating that something was thought to be true in the past. Example: "It was previously believed that the Earth was flat, but scientific discoveries have proven otherwise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's also much more widespread than was previously believed.

The New Yorker

He was previously believed to have received £75 million.

The Times

These findings suggest that the DC microtubules were not degenerated as was previously believed.

Nature

This process was previously believed to be limited to higher, sexually reproducing forms of life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is also explained that the plastic-zone analysis method is not so inefficient as was previously believed.

Engineering Structures

It is also claimed that the plastic-zone analysis method is not as inefficient as it was previously believed.

Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation Proceedings of the International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation 2–4 April 2001, Cape Town, South Africa

What this means is that good-looking men are even more likely to conceive children than was previously believed.

The Economist

This work suggests that the scale of prehistoric human impact on the western Loess Plateau landscape during the late Neolithic was much greater than was previously believed.

Journal of Archaeological Science

At the same time, it has become apparent that portal frames are much more sensitive to second-order effects than was previously believed.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

A detailed discussion of each hypothesis also reveals that the reason why females nurse alien offspring may be more intricate than was previously believed.

Animal Behaviour

It was previously believed that the site was a burial ground for only a century after 2700 B.C., well before the distinctive large stones were put in place.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was previously believed", ensure you follow it with an explanation of the current understanding or evidence that contradicts the previous belief. This provides a complete picture and avoids leaving the reader with incomplete information.

Common error

Don't use "was previously believed" without specifying who held the belief or what led to the change in understanding. Be specific about the source of the previous belief and the reason for its revision to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was previously believed" functions as an introductory clause that sets up a contrast between a past belief and current understanding. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used to introduce a correction or new information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

54%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was previously believed" serves as a crucial tool for highlighting shifts in understanding across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, this grammatically sound phrase is widely used to introduce corrections or new information that contradicts prior assumptions. Its prevalence in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias underscores its versatility and importance in academic discourse. By providing context and demonstrating how perspectives have evolved, "was previously believed" enhances clarity and strengthens arguments. Remember to use it judiciously, always backing it up with current knowledge and specifics about who held the previous belief to avoid vague references.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was formerly thought

Focuses on the historical perspective, highlighting that something was considered true in the past.

was once considered

Emphasizes that the belief was held at some point but is no longer valid.

was earlier assumed

Highlights the assumption made before new information came to light.

it had been thought

Uses a more impersonal construction to describe the past belief.

it was traditionally held

Indicates a long-standing belief that has been challenged.

it was commonly understood

Suggests a widespread acceptance of the belief within a community.

the understanding used to be

Directly addresses the change in understanding of a concept.

people used to think

A more colloquial way to express a former belief.

the conventional wisdom was

Implies that the previous belief was widely accepted as standard knowledge.

historically, it was assumed

Highlights the historical context of a previous assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "was previously believed" in a sentence?

You can use "was previously believed" to introduce a statement that contrasts with current knowledge. For example, "It was previously believed that the universe was static, but now we know it is expanding."

What are some alternatives to "was previously believed"?

Alternatives include "was formerly thought", "was once considered", or "was earlier assumed". Choose the alternative that best fits the context and level of formality.

Is it always necessary to explain why something "was previously believed"?

While not always mandatory, providing context about why something "was traditionally held" enhances the reader's understanding and the credibility of your statement. Briefly mentioning the rationale behind the former belief can be beneficial.

How does "was previously believed" differ from "is commonly believed"?

"Was previously believed" indicates a belief that has changed, while "is commonly believed" refers to a current, widespread belief. Using the correct phrase ensures that you accurately reflect the temporal aspect of the belief you're discussing.