I wrote earlier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I wrote earlier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to something you previously mentioned or discussed in the same conversation or document. Example: "As I wrote earlier, the deadline for the project is next Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

I wrote earlier today that Jonathan Chait's is the best of the new blogs.

The New Yorker

As I wrote earlier, almost all of their 4000 staff are Haitian.

The New Yorker

Look at the phrase I wrote earlier in this paragraph: "the more I researched Aberfan".

The Guardian

As I wrote earlier in this article, it's not an argument that I really buy.

The Guardian - Opinion

I wrote earlier about how P.S.G.'s height would be a problem, and it really shows on set pieces.

The New York Times

And I should correct something I wrote earlier: Dempsey got his left boot to his, not his right.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

This one I wrote early on.

The New York Times - Arts

The singer said: "It's a song I wrote early on and it's stood the test of time.

Independent

Minogue commented about "Cowboy Style"; "That I wrote early on in the making of the album, and it's basically about meeting my boyfriend".

Wikipedia

I wrote early in the week on New West Notes that "Brown's problem with the two other tax initiatives may be smaller than it appears.

Huffington Post

In between, the question comes up over and over: Should I write early in the season?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of "I wrote earlier" in a single document. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "as mentioned above" or "previously stated" to improve readability.

Common error

Avoid using "I wrote earlier" without providing a clear indication of where you made the previous statement. Readers should not have to search extensively to understand your reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wrote earlier" serves as a metadiscourse marker, guiding the reader back to a previously stated point within the text. As Ludwig AI states, it is a common and grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I wrote earlier" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for referring back to a previous statement in writing. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure you provide enough context for the reader to easily locate the referenced information. For alternative phrasings, you might consider "as mentioned previously" or "as stated before", depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to avoid overuse and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Earlier in this piece, I noted

Specifically refers to a previous point made within the same written work.

As I mentioned previously

Replaces "wrote" with a more general "mentioned", suitable for both written and spoken contexts.

As I stated before

Similar to "mentioned previously", but carries a slightly more formal tone.

I previously discussed

Emphasizes the act of discussing the topic in the past, implying a more in-depth treatment.

As detailed earlier

Emphasizes that comprehensive information has been provided already.

In my previous writing

Broadly references something written by the author in the past, without specifying the exact location.

I touched on this point earlier

Indicates a brief or superficial treatment of the subject in the past.

I have already covered

Highlights that the topic has been addressed and resolved, suggesting no further discussion is needed.

In a prior communication

Suitable for formal settings when referring to past written correspondence.

I alluded to this previously

Suggests a subtle or indirect reference to the topic in the past.

FAQs

What is an alternative to "I wrote earlier" that sounds more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "as mentioned previously", "as stated before", or "I previously discussed".

How can I rephrase "I wrote earlier" to emphasize that the information is detailed?

To emphasize detailed information, consider using "as detailed earlier". This suggests that you have already provided comprehensive information on the topic.

Is it appropriate to use "I wrote earlier" in academic writing?

Yes, "I wrote earlier" can be used in academic writing, but it's often better to provide a specific reference, such as "as discussed in section 3.2" or use alternative phrasing like "as mentioned above" if the reference is nearby.

What's the difference between "I wrote earlier" and "I mentioned earlier"?

"I wrote earlier" specifically refers to something you put in writing, while "I mentioned earlier" is more general and can refer to something you said or wrote. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the mode of communication.