would previously be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would previously be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that was true in the past but is no longer the case. Example: "In the past, the project would previously be completed within six months, but now it takes longer due to new regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Smaller, less financially secure artists meanwhile have a renewed interest in making some form of visual viral art that will travel across the internet and into corners that would previously be untouched.

The Guardian - Music

What would previously be considered to exist within a Dadaist tradition has become a funny video that 14 year olds like to watch.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The effect of this has been to create calls for a redistribution of funds to those at the bottom end, most of whom have some evidence of quality that would previously been concealed and left below the threshold for funding.

The Guardian

Say the words "Auckland housing crisis" and what comes to mind is a generation of those who would previously been able to get on the ladder locked out by rising prices.

Vice

A classic 'hard sweep' is expected when the environment changes such that a mutation that would previously been detrimental becomes favourable.

BMC Genomics

I'd previously been very fit and sporty and I'm a keen runner.

The Guardian

"We'd previously been told there was no way we could adopt," Jo says.

The Guardian

He'd previously been Tom Dewey's stenographer and a medical transcriber at the city morgue.

The New Yorker

But fear not: she'd previously been an au pair for Jens Christiansen, a Danish politician.

The New Yorker

They'd previously been too nervous about speaking to someone in person to seek treatment.

The Guardian

Owen's words didn't read like the poetry to which I'd previously been exposed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "would previously be" to clearly indicate a change over time, emphasizing that a condition or state that was true in the past is no longer valid. This phrase is useful for contrasting past and present situations, especially when discussing evolving trends or altered circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "would previously be" when a simple past tense construction such as "used to be" or "was" is more appropriate. The "would" adds a layer of conditionality or habit that may not always be intended; ensure that the context truly warrants a hypothetical or habitual nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would previously be" functions as a modal verb phrase to express a hypothetical or conditional state that existed in the past but no longer holds true. Ludwig AI indicates it’s grammatically sound, and the examples demonstrate its use in contrasting past and present conditions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "would previously be" is a modal verb phrase used to describe hypothetical past states that have since changed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though it's relatively rare. Its primary function is to contrast past and present conditions. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize a shift over time and ensure that a simpler past tense isn't more appropriate. Alternative phrases like "used to be" or "was formerly" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

used to be

Replaces the modal "would" with the more direct "used to", indicating a past habit or state.

was formerly

Emphasizes a change in status or condition from a previous state.

previously was

Similar to "was formerly" but places more emphasis on the sequence of events.

had been

Focuses on a completed action or state in the past, prior to another point in time.

earlier was

Indicates that something existed or occurred at an earlier time.

would have been

Highlights a hypothetical situation in the past that did not actually occur.

in the past was

Clearly indicates that something was true at a time before the present.

once was

Implies a nostalgic or historical perspective on a past condition.

prior to this was

Highlights that a state existed before a specific reference point.

beforehand was

Indicates a condition that existed or an action that happened prior to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "would previously be" in a sentence?

Use "would previously be" to describe a situation that was true in the past but has since changed. For example, "What "would previously be" considered radical is now mainstream".

What is a good alternative to "would previously be"?

Alternatives include "used to be", "was formerly", or "had been" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "would previously be" formal or informal?

"Would previously be" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for news articles, academic papers, and professional communications. Simpler alternatives might be preferred in very informal contexts.

What's the difference between "would previously be" and "used to be"?

"Used to be" describes a past state or habit without conditionality. "Would previously be" implies a hypothetical or conditional aspect related to a past state. For instance, "That "used to be" the case" is a simple statement of past fact, while "That "would previously be" the case, but not anymore" suggests a change in circumstances.