Adverb "previously" not used with past tense?

Question

Hi. Please help. I think I heard the adverb "previously" should not used with a past tense, but instead "before" is used.

I saw this definition in the Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary and wonder if it has to be the past perfect tense in the subordinate clause that begins with the subordinate conjunction "when."

Detente is a state of friendly relations between two countries when previously there had been problems between them. [FORMAL]

Avangi · Accepted Answer

AnonymousDetente is a state of friendly relations between two countries when previously there had been problems between them.

I think I see what may be bothering you.

When does this state of detent exist?

At a point when the previous state of affairs had been problematic.

If this "state of friendly relations between the two countries" existed at a time WHEN the previous state of affairs between them had also been friendly, it would not qualify as "detente."

AnonymousI think I heard the adverb "previously" should not used with a past tense, but instead "before" is used.

This "rule" is very broad and general.

Do you take it to imply that simple past should replace past perfect in your example?

I'm unable to connect this issue with the rule you describe.

In my opinion, both simple past, present perfect, and past perfect work fine in the "when previously" clause.

You are an ex-jailbird when previously you have been in jail. (OR when previously you were in jail)

Perhaps you should tell us again exactly what your question is.

I have never skied before. The adverb means "before now." (I have never skied at all.)

*I have never skied previously.* (This doesn't seem natural.)

You should not take me to the top of the mountain when I have not skied previously. (This seems okay.)

You should not have taken me to the top of the mountain when I had not skied previously. (Perfect.)

In these examples, "when" seems to equal "inasmuchas."

With the past perfect, both adverbs mean "before that particular time" (previous to that particular time).

Previously, I had never skied. I had never skied before.

Adverb "previously" not used with past tense?

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