Cool MateNow it used to be vs Previously
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Now it used to be
Top 2,000 (common)
Previously
Top 2,000 (common)B1adverb
| Now it used to be | Previously | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //naʊ ɪt juːst tə biː//🇺🇸 //naʊ ɪt juːst tə bi// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈpriːviəsli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈpriːviəsli/"]/ |
| Meaning | Something that was true in the past but may not be now. | Before now; earlier. |
| Example | Now it used to be a lively market here. | The building had previously been used as a hotel. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | now it used to be, used to be popular, used to be common | previously mentioned, previously discussed, previously stated, previously introduced, previously reported |
| Antonyms | - | subsequently, afterwards |
| Common mistakes | Mixing up verb tenses; 'Now it use to be' is incorrect., Forgetting to include 'it' in the phrase., Confusing with 'now it is' which has a different meaning. | Using 'previous' instead of 'previously' in a sentence., Confusing 'previously' with 'currently' which means now., Misplacing 'previously' in a sentence and changing the meaning. |
| Usage notes | Often used to refer to changes over time, popular in conversational English. Avoid in formal writing. | 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. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Now it used to be vs Previously
What's the difference between Now it used to be and Previously?
Now it used to be: Something that was true in the past but may not be now. Previously: Before now; earlier.
Can you show an example of each?
Now it used to be: Now it used to be a lively market here. Previously: The building had previously been used as a hotel.
Can I use Now it used to be and Previously interchangeably?
Not always. Now it used to be and Previously 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.