I previously explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I previously explained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring back to information or details that you have already provided in an earlier part of the conversation or text. Example: "As I previously explained, the deadline for the project is next Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

As I previously explained, EV-DO is a favorite for a reason: consistency.

TechCrunch

As I previously explained, the process is the financial equivalent of putting a few boxes on a UPS freighter that's about to head out, thus paying just a sliver of the costs you'd incur if you had to find a boat and ship it yourself.

TechCrunch

(I previously explained how that happened).

Huffington Post

I previously explained how this model elegantly illustrates how tuition discounting must lead to rising list prices.

Huffington Post

This clause, as I previously explained here and here, about the contentious Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement now awaiting approval by Congress, amounts to a veritable "trading away of our sovereignty".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As I have previously explained, robotic surgical systems allow for one (liable) senior surgeon to take near-complete control of the surgical act.

TechCrunch

Indeed, I have previously explained why the supply of domestic offsets provision does not undermine the target (see here).

Huffington Post

As I've previously explained, none of these Sunday shows get impressive ratings as a general rule.

Huffington Post

Type two, as I've previously explained, do it because they hope we'll hate it enough to blog about how shit it is.

Vice

As my attorneys and I have previously explained, my SF-86 application was prematurely submitted due to a miscommunication and initially did not list any contacts (not just with Russians) with foreign government officials.

Huffington Post

In fact, as those familiar with Marxism and Islam can quickly decipher, an "Islamic-Marxist" label is a contradiction in terms, as I have previously explained in a Reality Check piece.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I previously explained" to smoothly transition back to a topic already covered, ensuring your audience can easily recall the earlier information. This helps maintain clarity and flow in your writing or speech.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "I previously explained" as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your sentence structure or use alternatives like "as mentioned earlier" or "I already explained".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I previously explained" serves as an introductory phrase, typically used to refer back to information that has already been provided in a conversation, text, or presentation. This helps to create a cohesive flow of information, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I previously explained" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for referencing prior statements. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While effective for clarity, overuse should be avoided to prevent repetition. Consider using alternatives to vary your language and maintain reader engagement. This phrase helps ensure your audience remembers key details and can follow your train of thought, making your communication more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As I have mentioned previously

This is more formal, with no meaning difference.

I explained this earlier

Removes the adverb "previously" with "earlier".

As I stated earlier

Replaces "explained" with "stated" and "previously" with "earlier", maintaining the same meaning with a slightly different emphasis on time.

As was previously explained by me

Passive voice transformation.

I have already mentioned

Emphasizes the completed action of mentioning something before, akin to having explained it.

I have clarified this previously

Replaces "explained" with "clarified", focusing on making something clear.

Like I said before

Uses a more informal tone with "like" and "said", while retaining the core meaning of a prior explanation.

Before, I clarified that

Replaces "explained" with "clarified", focusing on making something clear.

To reiterate what I said before

Emphasizes the act of repeating or restating something previously mentioned.

In my previous explanation

Changes the structure to a noun phrase, referring back to a prior explanation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I previously explained"?

You can use alternatives like "As I stated earlier", "Like I said before", or "I have already mentioned" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "As I previously explained"?

Yes, "As I previously explained" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to refer back to information you've already provided. It's a formal way to remind your audience of something you've already discussed.

How can I use "I previously explained" in a sentence?

You can use "I previously explained" to introduce a point that builds on earlier information. For example, "I previously explained the importance of data analysis; now, let's delve into specific methods."

What's the difference between "I previously explained" and "I already explained"?

Both phrases indicate that you have provided an explanation before. "I previously explained" emphasizes the timing of the earlier explanation, while "I already explained" stresses that the explanation has already occurred.