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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
were previously described
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "were previously described" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been mentioned or explained earlier in a text or conversation. Example: "The methods used in this study were previously described in our earlier publication."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
had earlier described
have been previously detailed
had earlier heard
had earlier been
had previously heard
had heard before
had been informed earlier
was already aware
had earlier participated
had earlier sent
had earlier asked
had earlier rejected
had earlier visited
had earlier offered
was previously
had been previously
was formerly
had previously existed
had once been
had been before
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
60 human-written examples
Similar SD-OCT outer retinal changes were previously described.
The morphological results were previously described by our team.
Science
CCSP-rtTA mice were previously described [23].
Science
Surgical procedures were previously described [5].
Science
PCR conditions were previously described [16].
Science
DHS samples were previously described in [26].
Science
Akt expression constructs were previously described [32].
Science
These data were previously described in [1].
Science
siRNAs against SNX4 were previously described [9].
Science
Procedures to assess KORp-ir were previously described [1], [29].
Science
Plasmids and Luciferase Assays were previously described [29] [32].
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "were previously described", include a citation or reference to the original source. This adds credibility and allows readers to easily find more information.
Common error
Avoid stating that something "were previously described" without providing a reference or context where it was described. Always point readers to the source material.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "were previously described" functions as a passive voice construction, typically used to refer to information, methods, or procedures that have been detailed in prior publications or sections of a document. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
100%
Less common in
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "were previously described" is a grammatically sound and common construction, particularly in scientific and academic writing. It serves to efficiently reference information or procedures detailed elsewhere. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in English. The key is to always provide a clear citation or reference to the source material, ensuring readers can easily access the original description. While alternatives exist, such as "were earlier detailed" or "had been described before", the core function remains the same: linking back to prior information.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
had been described before
Emphasizes the temporal aspect, indicating the description occurred at an earlier time.
were formerly described
Highlights that the description is from an earlier period or context.
were earlier detailed
Focuses on the timing, specifying that a detailing happened at an earlier stage.
have been detailed previously
Highlights the action of detailing was done at an earlier stage.
were outlined earlier
Emphasizes that only the outline was done at an earlier time.
were discussed earlier
Highlights that the discussion of the topic was done at an earlier time.
were documented before
Focuses on the act of documentation being completed prior to the current context.
were reported previously
Emphasizes the aspect of reporting, stating it happened in the past.
were characterized earlier
Focuses on the characterization aspect and states that the characterization happened earlier.
were already mentioned
Indicates that the topic has been brought up in the past.
FAQs
How can I use "were previously described" in a sentence?
This phrase is used to refer back to information that has already been presented or published. For example: "The experimental procedures "were previously described" in Smith et al. (2010)."
What are some alternatives to "were previously described"?
You could use phrases like "were formerly described", "were earlier detailed", or "had been described before" depending on the context.
Is it necessary to provide a citation after using "were previously described"?
Yes, it is considered good practice to provide a citation or reference when using "were previously described". This allows readers to easily find the original source of the information.
What's the difference between ""were previously described"" and "were described earlier"?
The phrases are very similar, but "were previously described" emphasizes that the description occurred at some point in the past, while "were described earlier" highlights that it happened at an earlier point relative to the current context.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested