above phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "above phrase" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to refer to a phrase mentioned earlier in the text, but it should be phrased as "the above phrase" or "the phrase above." Example: "As stated in the above phrase, clarity is essential for effective communication."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But initial concerns that this play's Connie and Tristan might not rise above the shopworn cliché inherent in the above phrase are soon dispelled by the unexpected path forged by Lucy Prebble's play, which lands its newfound couple in the world of pharmaceutical research where desire is not to be trusted.

The New York Times

If Joan Rivers were with us today, she probably would have backed me up and quipped the above phrase when asked if this sentiment about women in the workplace is still alive and well today.

Forbes

You could, if you were so inclined, describe the above phrase as pure Pavlovian poetry, eliciting within us the sensation of being there, in a taxi, alone, watching the rain fall mutely onto the never-ending tarmac sprawl that will eventually end at our house or someone else's.

Vice

One might think that as Tunisians prepare to write their new constitution, the most debated part of the above phrase would be the word 'republic.' In the last few weeks, however, it's become clear that the word 'Islam' is causing a lot more controversy.

Huffington Post

However, the word " expected" in the above phrase could be interpreted that the "same clinical result in any given patient" is not a categorical rule but only an expectation.

European Journal of Health Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Preliminary data gathering consisted of an Internet search for consumer purchase options for green burial clothing, using the search engine by typing terms such as "funeral clothing," "burial clothing," "burial garments," "natural burial clothing," "green burial clothing," including the above phrases with the words "clothes" and "apparel" substituted for "clothing".

Fashion and Textiles

If you asked someone for help, and the person replied with one of the above phrases, how would you feel? "As importantly, what would it say about him or her?" Price says.

HuffPost

Repeat the above phrases and try it again.

WikiHow

Regardless of which of the above phrases you use, listen to the phrase being said by a French speaker and carefully imitate the vowel and consonant sounds, as well as proper inflections and other elements of speech.

WikiHow

In order to identify miRNAs involved in the three phrases (anagen, catagen and telogen) of the hair cycle, three small RNA (sRNA) libraries representing the above three phrases were constructed from a mixed pool of ten adult cashmere goat skin samples.

BMC Genomics

The quoted phrase above was not, however, revised from the traditional annual wording as the provision had appeared in annual appropriations Acts in order to give it effect beyond the fiscal year concerned.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always include the definite article "the" before "above phrase" (i.e., "the above phrase" or "the phrase above") to ensure grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "above phrase" without the definite article "the". It's grammatically incorrect and can make your writing sound unprofessional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "above phrase" functions as a referential expression, attempting to point back to a specific phrase previously used within a text. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, the expression requires the definite article "the" to be grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "above phrase" attempts to efficiently reference a previously stated phrase, it's grammatically incorrect without the definite article "the". Ludwig AI advises using "the above phrase" or "the phrase above" to ensure correctness. Although it appears in various sources, including news and scientific publications, sticking to grammatically sound options is always preferable. Alternatives like "the aforementioned phrase" offer a more formal tone, and the specific choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the phrase above

Adds the definite article "the" for grammatical correctness.

the aforementioned phrase

Replaces "above" with a more formal synonym.

the preceding phrase

Focuses on the sequential position of the phrase.

the earlier phrase

Highlights that the phrase occurred previously.

the phrase in question

Emphasizes that the phrase is the subject of discussion.

the stated phrase

Highlights that the phrase has been explicitly stated.

the quoted phrase

Indicates the phrase was directly quoted.

the phrase mentioned earlier

Clarifies the phrase was referenced before.

that phrase

Uses a demonstrative pronoun for conciseness.

this phrase

Uses a demonstrative pronoun implying immediate context.

FAQs

What's the correct way to refer to a phrase I mentioned earlier in the text?

The grammatically correct options are "the above phrase" or "the phrase above". Avoid using "above phrase" without the definite article.

Is it ever acceptable to use "above phrase" without "the"?

While you might encounter "above phrase" in some informal contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. It's best to use "the above phrase" or "the phrase above".

What are some alternatives to "above phrase" that sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "the aforementioned phrase" or "the preceding phrase".

How does "above phrase" differ from "the following phrase"?

"Above phrase" refers to a phrase that has already been mentioned, while "the following phrase" introduces a phrase that is about to be mentioned. Therefore, they are not interchangeable.