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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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were previously described

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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.

CCSP-rtTA mice were previously described [23].

Science

Plosone

Surgical procedures were previously described [5].

Science

Plosone

PCR conditions were previously described [16].

Science

Plosone

DHS samples were previously described in [26].

Science

Plosone

Akt expression constructs were previously described [32].

Science

Plosone

These data were previously described in [1].

Science

Plosone

siRNAs against SNX4 were previously described [9].

Science

Plosone

Procedures to assess KORp-ir were previously described [1], [29].

Science

Plosone

Plasmids and Luciferase Assays were previously described [29] [32].

Science

Plosone
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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: