Cool MatePreviously vs This one time
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Previously
Top 2,000 (common)B1adverb
This one time
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Previously
| Previously | This one time | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈpriːviəsli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈpriːviəsli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðɪs wʌn taɪm//🇺🇸 //ðɪs wʌn taɪm// |
| Meaning | Before now; earlier. | An expression used to share a specific past experience. |
| Example | The building had previously been used as a hotel. | This one time, I went skydiving and it was exhilarating. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | previously mentioned, previously discussed, previously stated, previously introduced, previously reported | this one time + story, this one time + event, this one time + example |
| Antonyms | subsequently, afterwards | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'previous' instead of 'previously' in a sentence., Confusing 'previously' with 'currently' which means now., Misplacing 'previously' in a sentence and changing the meaning. | Using it with formal writing or speech., Confusing it with 'one time' which has a different usage., Not specifying the event clearly. |
| Usage notes | Use 'previously' to connect past events with the present. It's suitable for both spoken and written contexts but may sound too formal in casual conversations. | Used in casual conversation to introduce a story or memory. Avoid in formal contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: Previously vs This one time
What's the difference between Previously and This one time?
Previously: Before now; earlier. This one time: An expression used to share a specific past experience.
Which is more formal: Previously and This one time?
Previously is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Previously: The building had previously been used as a hotel. This one time: This one time, I went skydiving and it was exhilarating.
Can I use Previously and This one time interchangeably?
Not always. Previously and This one time are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.