Previously, I would have said

[Rachel Adams]

When answering the question
"What's the most important thing in life?" can I use "previously" and "would have said" and "its" with "my husband and kids?"

"Previously, I would have said my job, but now it's my husband and kids."

 

[5jj]

'Previously' is not very natural. I'd say 'At one time;.

 

[Rachel Adams]

'Previously' is not very natural. I'd say 'At one time;.

Is the choice of present perfect and "it's" correct?

 

[5jj]

There is no present perfect form in that sentence. 'Would have said' is modal perfect. It's fine.

 

[Barque]

Previously, I would have said my job,

You could also say "Earlier".

 

[Tarheel]

Is the choice of present perfect and "it's" correct?

Yes, it's a contraction of "it is" there.

 

[Rachel Adams]

'Previously' is not very natural. I'd say 'At one time;.

Is a comma necessary after "at one time"?

 

[Barque]

It's optional.

 

[Barque]

You could also say "Earlier".

BTW, when I said "also", I didn't mean "In addition to 'Previously'". I meant "In addition to 5jj's suggestion". I agree "Previously" doesn't sound correct there.

 

[Tdol]

You could also say "Earlier".

Or Before.