was previously considered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was previously considered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that was thought of or regarded in a certain way in the past but may have changed in the present. Example: "The theory was previously considered the most accurate explanation for the phenomenon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What was previously considered unsociable is now "sociable".

The Guardian

H∞ was previously considered as not appropriate for this problem.

Revista Iberoamericana de Automática e Informática Industrial RIAI

Lyons was previously considered one of the safest Labor seats in Tasmania.

The Guardian

It was previously considered to have relatively mild consequences for those infected.

The Guardian

A provocative attempt to think about what was previously considered unthinkable: a serious philosophical case for the rights of robots.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"The most striking thing to me is that typhoid was previously considered a disease of Asia, not Africa.

The Guardian

To accommodate the boom, the city expanded into low-lying marshland that was previously considered unfit for human habitation.

The New York Times - Magazine

The latter was previously considered unsuitable for use in swelling of MCM-22P.

Catalysis Today

"If anything," he said, "our M.F.A. has strayed into territory that was previously considered their territory".

The New York Times

Pecora was previously considered a candidate for the St . Johns job.

The New York Times

But the film's success also hints at a newfound international popularity for a superhero who was previously considered unpopular outside the US.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was previously considered" to effectively introduce a contrast between past and present understanding of a topic, highlighting evolving knowledge or perspectives. Be sure to clearly articulate the previous viewpoint and the current understanding to maximize clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "was previously considered" when referring to very recent changes or opinions. This phrase is most effective when indicating a significant shift in understanding over a noticeable period, not for minor or fleeting differences in opinion. If something has only been reconsidered very recently, other expressions will be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was previously considered" functions as a transitional marker, indicating a shift in perspective or understanding over time. It introduces a contrast between a past viewpoint and a present one. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and acceptable English construct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was previously considered" serves as a robust tool for illustrating shifts in perspective, suitable for diverse writing contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its effectiveness in academic, scientific, and journalistic domains. Usage ranges from formal academic papers to news reports, underscoring its versatility. Remember to employ this phrase when presenting a clear contrast between past beliefs and current understandings, enhancing the narrative with a touch of historical insight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

used to be thought of as

Focuses on a past perception or belief that has since changed.

formerly regarded as

Indicates a past assessment or opinion that is no longer current.

once believed to be

Emphasizes a superseded belief or assumption.

had been viewed as

Highlights how something was perceived in the past before a change in perspective.

historically perceived as

Places the past perception in a historical context.

initially understood as

Refers to the original or first way something was interpreted.

was once deemed

Implies a past judgment or evaluation that is no longer valid.

was traditionally seen as

Indicates a long-standing, conventional view that has been revised.

was earlier classified as

Focuses on a past categorization that has been updated or corrected.

was primitively conceptualized as

Referring to an initial and often rudimentary understanding of something.

FAQs

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

Use "was previously considered" to contrast a past belief or understanding with a current one. For instance, "That approach "was previously considered" innovative, but now it's outdated".

What are some alternatives to "was previously considered"?

Alternatives include "used to be thought of as", "formerly regarded as", or "once believed to be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "was previously considered"?

While "previously" implies something from the past, using "was previously considered" can add emphasis to the contrast between past and present perspectives, making the shift clearer.

How does "was previously considered" differ from "is now considered"?

"Was previously considered" sets up a contrast with what is currently believed. "Is now considered" indicates a current perspective, often implying a change from a past view that may or may not need explicit mention. To emphasize the difference, use both phrases.