B2 adverb Neutral

previously

/ˈpriː.vi.əs.li/

Refers to an action, event, or state that occurred at an earlier time or before the current situation being discussed. It is frequently used to establish a sequence of events or to reference information already provided.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I had previously visited the city, so I knew my way around the center.

I had visited the city at an earlier time, so I was familiar with the layout.

2

The candidate has previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of a major firm.

The applicant held the position of CEO at an earlier date.

3

Like I said previously, I don't think we should go out tonight.

As I mentioned before, I am not in favor of going out tonight.

Word Family

Adverb
previously
Adjective
previous
Related
precedence
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Memory Tip

Remember the prefix 'pre-', which means 'before' (like a 'pre-view' you watch before a movie).

Quick Quiz

The artifacts were _______ thought to be from the 15th century, but new evidence suggests they are older.

Correct!

The correct answer is: previously

Examples

1

I had previously visited the city, so I knew my way around the center.

everyday

I had visited the city at an earlier time, so I was familiar with the layout.

2

The candidate has previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of a major firm.

formal

The applicant held the position of CEO at an earlier date.

3

Like I said previously, I don't think we should go out tonight.

informal

As I mentioned before, I am not in favor of going out tonight.

4

As previously discussed in Chapter 2, the methodology relies on qualitative data.

academic

As stated earlier in the second chapter, the research method uses qualitative information.

5

The budget was previously approved by the financial committee last month.

business

The financial committee gave their consent to the budget at an earlier meeting.

Word Family

Adverb
previously
Adjective
previous
Related
precedence

Common Collocations

previously mentioned spoken about or written about at an earlier time
previously unseen not seen before the current moment
previously known information that was already understood before
previously stated written or spoken earlier in a text or conversation
previously agreed decided upon at an earlier date

Common Phrases

as previously stated

repeating a point that was made earlier

previously on...

a summary of events from earlier episodes of a television show

never previously encountered

something that has never happened or been seen before now

Often Confused With

previously vs formerly

'Formerly' often describes a change in status, name, or identity (e.g., 'formerly known as'), while 'previously' is a general marker for any past time.

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Usage Notes

The word is often placed between the auxiliary verb and the main verb (e.g., 'has previously worked'). It is more formal than the word 'before'.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often place 'previously' at the very end of a sentence like 'before', but in formal English, it is more naturally placed in the mid-position of the sentence.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember the prefix 'pre-', which means 'before' (like a 'pre-view' you watch before a movie).

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'praevius', from 'prae' (before) and 'via' (way).

Grammar Patterns

Used frequently with the Past Perfect tense (had + previously + past participle). Can function as a sentence connector at the beginning of a sentence followed by a comma.
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Cultural Context

In Western media, 'Previously on...' is a standard linguistic marker used at the start of serialized TV dramas to recap the plot.

Quick Quiz

The artifacts were _______ thought to be from the 15th century, but new evidence suggests they are older.

Correct!

The correct answer is: previously

Related Words

cause

A1

To make something happen, especially something bad or unpleasant. It is used to describe the action that results in a specific effect or situation.

through

A1

Used to describe moving from one side of an opening, area, or object to the other side. It can also refer to the period of time from the beginning to the end of an event.

effective

A2

Something is effective when it successfully produces the intended or desired result. It describes a person, method, or thing that works well and achieves its goal.

epic

A1

A long book, poem, or movie that tells a story about heroes and great events. It usually covers a long period of time and many adventures.

robotics

B2

The branch of technology and engineering that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. It is a multidisciplinary field combining computer science, electronics, and mechanical engineering to create autonomous or semi-autonomous machines.

dean

B2

A dean is a high-ranking official at a university or college who oversees a specific department, faculty, or administrative area. They are responsible for academic leadership, managing faculty members, and ensuring the general welfare of students within their division.

decade

B2

A period of ten years, typically used to measure time or categorize a specific historical era. It is a common unit of time used to track social, economic, or personal changes over a significant duration.

enable

B2

To provide someone with the means, authority, or opportunity to do something. It also means to make a process or a system possible or operational.

mature

B2

Describing someone who behaves in a sensible, responsible way like an adult, or something that has reached a state of full development. It is often used to describe people, plants, or economic markets that are no longer growing rapidly but are stable.

scheme

B2

A systematic plan or arrangement for attaining a particular object or putting an idea into effect. It can also refer to a secretive or devious plot to achieve a goal, often used to describe government programs or organizational systems.

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