What is previously? Pronunciation and usage in English

previously means . Learn how to pronounce and use previously through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of previously

previouslyadverb

/ˈpriːvɪəsli/
Definition & pronunciation of previously

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "previously." It's a tricky one for many English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "pre-": This sounds like "preh" (like in "preheat"). The "e" is short and quick.
  • "vius-": This is the most challenging part. It’s a Latin-derived sound, and it's not a common English sound. It's roughly like "wee-us" but very short and quick, almost like a single syllable. Think of it as a very compressed "wee-us."

2. Putting it Together:

  • "preh-wee-us" - It's a rapid flow of these three sounds. Don't pause between them.

3. Syllable Breakdown:

Many people break it down into three syllables: pre-vee-us. However, it’s pronounced as one word with a combined sound, so the pauses are minimal.

4. Key Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t elongate the "v" sound: The "v" is not pronounced like a regular "v." It's almost a quick, staccato "wee."
  • Don’t say "pre-vee-us" with a noticeable pause: That's a common mistake! The flow is crucial.
  • Listen to examples: This is essential. The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some good resources:
    • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce previously" on Google and listen to the audio pronunciations.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/previously/ - This site has pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for videos demonstrating the pronunciation - many phonetics teachers have great tutorials.

5. A phonetic approximation (using English symbols):

/prɪˈviəsli/

  • prɪ - like "price" but with a quick "i" sound.
  • ˈviəs - This is the tricky part, the rapid "wee-us."
  • li - like "lily"

To summarize: "preh-wee-us" - quick, flowing, and don't over-emphasize the "v" sound!

Would you like me to:

  • Give you another example word with a similar pronunciation challenge?
  • Record myself saying "previously" so you can hear it?

Usage and examples with the word previously in English

Let's break down how to use the word "previously" in English. It's a useful word to add a touch of formality and precision to your writing and speech.

1. Basic Meaning:

"Previously" means "before this time" or "at an earlier time." It indicates something happened before the current moment.

2. Grammatical Structure:

  • As an Adverb: This is the most common way to use it. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
    • Example: "I previously lived in London." (Modifies the verb "lived")
    • Example: "This is a previously unexamined document." (Modifies the adjective "unexamined")
    • Example: "He spoke previously about the project." (Modifies the adverb “spoke”)

3. Common Usage Scenarios & Examples:

  • Referring to Past Events: "The committee previously discussed the proposal." (It happened before this discussion.)
  • Highlighting Something Uncommon or Rare: "This is a previously unknown species of butterfly." (It wasn't known before.)
  • Repeating Information (Formally): "We’ve discussed this before. Previously, I mentioned..." (A more formal way to say "As I said before...")
  • Introducing a Pre-existing Fact: "The building was previously a school." (It used to be a school; it’s not now.)
  • In Legal or Technical Contexts: “The contract was previously amended.” (This details a change that occurred prior to the present situation.)

4. Important Nuances & Considerations:

  • Formal Tone: "Previously" is considered more formal than words like "before," "earlier," or "formerly." Use it when you want a more sophisticated or official tone.
  • Avoid Overuse: Using "previously" too frequently can make your writing sound stuffy or overly complex. Choose a simpler word if it fits the context.
  • Placement: It generally goes before the word or phrase it modifies. (e.g., "previously discussed," "previously mentioned").

5. Synonyms (Depending on Context):

  • Before: (Most common and often a better choice) – “I previously lived there, but now I live here.”
  • Earlier: – “Earlier this morning, I saw him.”
  • Formerly: (Very similar to "previously", slightly more formal) – “Formerly, he was a lawyer.”
  • At an earlier time: (More descriptive) – “At an earlier time, the area was covered in forest.”

6. Examples Demonstrating Usage:

  • Incorrect: “I previously read that book.” (Sounds a little awkward)

  • Better: “I read that book before.” OR “I had read that book previously.”

  • Incorrect: “Previously, the company announced a new product.” (Potentially clunky)

  • Better: “The company announced a new product previously.” OR “The company had announced a new product previously.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you doing? (e.g., academic essay, business report, casual email, creative writing?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're considering using "previously"?

Synonyms for the word previously

Practice with vocabulary previously

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project team decided to revisit the proposals they had ______ submitted for approval.
  2. Although she now manages the entire department, Sarah ______ held a junior administrative position.
  3. The board announced its decision to merge with a rival firm, a move that had been discussed internally for several months ______.
  4. Due to the sudden change in regulations, the company had to adjust its hiring policies, which were ______ aligned with the old guidelines.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Before implementing the new software, all employees attended a training session. The system's interface was significantly different from what they had used ______. a) currently b) frequently c) previously d) seldom

  2. The research findings contradicted some of the assumptions that had been made ______. Which of the following words could fit the blank? a) earlier b) beforehand c) concurrently d) previously e) subsequently

  3. The city council rejected the proposed zoning changes, stating that the area should retain its ______ commercial designation. a) currently b) previously c) often d) recently

  4. The company aims to expand its market share significantly within the next two years, building on the success it achieved ______. a) ultimately b) initially c) eventually d) currently

  5. The new CEO outlined her vision for the company, emphasizing a departure from practices that had become standard ______. a) eventually b) then c) subsequently d) over time

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He had worked as a consultant for five years before joining our firm.

    • Rewrite the sentence, using "previously."

  2. The committee had approved the budget in an earlier meeting, but now they wish to reconsider it.

    • Rewrite the sentence, using "previously."

  3. The building was originally a library before it was converted into offices.

    • Rewrite the sentence, using a suitable replacement word for "originally" that does not use "previously" or its related forms.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. previously
  2. previously
  3. earlier
  4. formerly

Exercise 2:

  1. c) previously
  2. a) earlier, b) beforehand, d) previously
  3. b) previously
  4. b) initially
  5. d) over time

Exercise 3:

  1. He previously worked as a consultant for five years before joining our firm.
  2. The committee had previously approved the budget, but now they wish to reconsider it.
  3. The building was initially a library before it was converted into offices.

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