was previously unavailable

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "was previously unavailable" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this sentence when referring to something that is now available, but wasn't accessible in the past. For example, "This software update was previously unavailable, but now can be downloaded from the App Store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

We expect this to be welcomed by REIT finance directors as it provides an additional source of finance which was previously unavailable.

The Guardian - Business

As the capabilities of digital devices soar and prices plummet, sensors and gadgets are digitising lots of information that was previously unavailable.

The Economist

That gave the exchange a contingency plan that was previously unavailable, said Duncan L. Niederauer, the chief executive of NYSE Euronext.

The New York Times

This has the ability to arm businesses with information that was previously unavailable.

TechCrunch

Through Facebook, Zimride added a level of identity and trust to carpooling that was previously unavailable.

TechCrunch

This method offers a stable solution for fully anisotropic materials, which was previously unavailable in the literature.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

By reducing monitoring costs, they allow for forms of contracting that were previously unavailable.

The New York Times

The memorial released ­­­­­­­­­­more tickets on Thursday morning for dates that were previously unavailable, including the first weekend.

The New York Times

Comcast, the nation's largest cable operator, said Tuesday that its customers could now watch thousands of television episodes online that were previously unavailable.

The New York Times

This article was amended on 14 March 2014 to include a comment from the University of Sussex who were previously unavailable to comment.

The Guardian

But Mr. Naqvi says buyout candidates will be more plentiful in this environment, with companies coming up for sale that were previously unavailable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was previously unavailable" to highlight a positive change or improvement, emphasizing that something is now accessible or obtainable.

Common error

Avoid using "was previously unavailable" when the context already implies that something is new or has just been introduced. For example, instead of saying "This new feature was previously unavailable", simply state "This new feature is now available."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was previously unavailable" functions as a descriptor, typically modifying a noun phrase. It indicates that the noun phrase it modifies has transitioned from a state of being inaccessible or unobtainable to a state of being accessible. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was previously unavailable" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote that something has recently become accessible after a period of being inaccessible. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure it accurately reflects a positive change and avoids redundancy. Related phrases such as "had not been accessible before" can offer subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was formerly inaccessible

Uses "inaccessible" as a synonym for "unavailable".

has now become accessible

Focuses on the transition to accessibility.

had not been accessible before

Focuses on accessibility rather than availability.

is a newly available resource

Highlights that there is a new provision.

used to be unobtainable

Replaces "unavailable" with "unobtainable".

was earlier off-limits

Emphasizes something that was forbidden or restricted.

had been out of reach until now

Emphasizes the idea of something being beyond reach.

was not an option earlier

Highlights that something is now a viable choice.

was not on the market before

Specifically relates to the commercial availability of something.

was once beyond our grasp

Uses a more metaphorical expression for unavailability.

FAQs

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

You can use "was previously unavailable" to indicate that something has recently become accessible or obtainable. For example, "This data set "was previously unavailable" for public use, but is now accessible through the new API".

What are some alternatives to "was previously unavailable"?

Alternatives include "had not been accessible before", "was formerly inaccessible", or "used to be unobtainable" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "is previously unavailable"?

No, "is previously unavailable" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "was previously unavailable", as it refers to a state that existed in the past.

What's the difference between "was unavailable" and "was previously unavailable"?

"Was unavailable" simply indicates that something was not accessible or obtainable at some point in the past. "Was previously unavailable" emphasizes that it has now become available, highlighting the change in status.