Understanding ‘Previously’: A Key Word for IELTS and Everyday English
Learn about the adverb ‘previously’, its meaning, usage, and importance in IELTS exams and daily conversations. Discover synonyms, antonyms, and common mistakes to avoid when using this useful word for describing past events.
Imagine you’re telling a friend about your weekend. You might say, Today I went to the park, but previously, I always stayed home on Sundays.
That word previously is what we’re learning about today, a useful term for your IELTS exam and everyday English.
Word type: Previously is an adverb. Adverbs often describe when, where, or how an action happens.
Meaning:
Previously means at an earlier time or before now. It refers to something that happened in the past, usually before the main event we’re talking about.
Word history: The word previously comes from the Latin word praevius, which means going before or leading the way.
Antonyms: Some opposite words for previously are currently, now, or presently. These words refer to the present time instead of the past.
Synonyms: Words with similar meanings to previously include before, formerly, earlier, and in the past.
Examples use in sentences: Here are three sentences using previously: I had never tried sushi previously, but now I love it.
The building was previously a school, but it has been turned into apartments. She works as a teacher now, but previously, she was a nurse.
Common errors in use: Be careful not to confuse previously with lately or recently. Previously refers to a time further in the past, while lately and recently refer to the near past.
For example, it’s correct to say I previously lived in New York, but now I live in London. It would be incorrect to say I previously went to the store this morning.
To wrap up, previously is a useful word for talking about past events or situations. It helps you compare the past with the present, which is a common task in the IELTS exam.
Try using previously in your own sentences to become more comfortable with it. Remember, practice makes perfect when learning new vocabulary.
