described above

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "described above" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that has already been mentioned or discussed in the same document. For example, "The program mentioned earlier was designed to help low-income families. The details of the program are described above."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The analogies described above go even further.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The motions as described above are simplifications.

Wikipedia

Primary antibodies as described above.

Plosone

Blocking was as described above.

Plosone

Quantitative PCR was continued as described above.

Plosone

Viral particles were produced as described above.

Plosone

TRACP staining was performed as described above.

Plosone

Peroxidase level was determined as described above.

Plosone

Motility was then performed as described above.

Plosone

Cell lysate was prepared as described above.

Plosone

Constructs were transfected as described above.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "described above" to avoid redundancy and maintain a concise writing style, especially in technical or academic contexts where clarity is essential. Ensure that what you are referring to is indeed clearly described in the preceding text.

Common error

Avoid using "described above" if the description is not immediately preceding the reference or if multiple descriptions are present, potentially causing confusion. In such cases, provide a more specific reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "described above" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating that details have been previously provided. Ludwig examples show it is used to refer back to methods, conditions, or other details already presented in the text.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "described above" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to previously mentioned information, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's particularly prevalent in scientific and academic writing, offering a concise method to avoid redundancy. To ensure clarity, always confirm that the referenced information is clearly and unambiguously detailed in the preceding text. While useful across various contexts, alternatives like "as previously mentioned" or "aforementioned" can add nuance to your writing. Always prioritize clarity to make your writing more efficient and understandable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as previously mentioned

This alternative is more formal and directly references a prior mention.

as stated earlier

This alternative highlights that the information was explicitly stated before.

mentioned previously

This alternative is a more concise way to refer to something already mentioned.

as detailed before

This alternative suggests a more thorough explanation was provided earlier.

in accordance with the above

This alternative is highly formal and emphasizes agreement with prior statements.

according to what was presented

This alternative emphasizes the presentation of information.

pursuant to the above

This alternative is legalistic and indicates action based on previous statements.

as explained earlier on

This alternative is less formal and adds a temporal element.

previously specified

This alternative is more specific and refers to something explicitly defined.

aforementioned

This alternative is a concise, formal term for something previously mentioned.

FAQs

How can I use "described above" in a sentence?

Use "described above" to refer to information, methods, or processes that have been previously detailed in the text. For instance, "The cell lysis was performed as "described above"."

What are some alternatives to "described above"?

Alternatives include "as previously mentioned", "as stated earlier", or "aforementioned", depending on the desired level of formality and context.

Is it appropriate to use "described above" in formal writing?

Yes, "described above" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific and technical contexts. However, ensure the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity. More formal alternatives may include "in accordance with the above".

What's the difference between "described above" and "described below"?

"Described above" refers to information presented earlier in the text, while "described below" indicates that the information will be presented later in the text. Ensure you use the correct phrase to avoid confusing the reader.