discussed above

USAGE SUMMARY

"discussed above" is correct and usable in written English.
You use it when referring back to a topic that was previously discussed in the same document. For example: The three main steps to success were discussed above: setting goals, making a plan, and taking action.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As discussed above, most of Scotland is your oyster.

The Guardian - Travel

This outward pseudoforce, discussed above, is the centrifugal force.

Britannica

Nothing discussed above makes earthquake prediction either possible or impossible.

Nature

The unfairness of the situations discussed above is twofold.

The New York Times

Many of the changes discussed above will affect its role.

The Economist

(Nearby Connections API discussed above at 24:15 mark).

TechCrunch

None of the problems discussed above are irreparable.

Forbes

As I discussed above, this assumption is most likely false.

Forbes

The first volume, discussed above, was a general introduction.

SEP

The results discussed above provide us with the proper lenses.

SEP

The delay effect discussed above was therefore biologically meaningful.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "discussed above" to create clear connections between different parts of your writing, helping readers follow your argument or explanation more easily.

Common error

Avoid using "discussed above" without clear context; ensure the reader can easily identify the specific information you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discussed above" serves as a referential marker, pointing the reader to a section of the text where the topic at hand was previously addressed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

27%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discussed above" is a grammatically correct and very common way to refer to information presented earlier in a text. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Its main function is to enhance cohesion and prevent redundancy. While acceptable in various registers, it is particularly prevalent in scientific, academic, and news contexts. When using it, ensure clarity by providing enough context for the reader to easily identify the referenced material. Consider alternatives like "as previously mentioned" or "as noted earlier" for slight variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as previously mentioned

This phrase is a more formal synonym, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

as noted earlier

Similar to "as previously mentioned", but focuses on pointing out something that has been observed or recorded.

mentioned beforehand

This option underscores the temporal aspect of the previous discussion.

previously addressed

This is useful when the topic was handled in a detailed or formal manner.

referred to earlier

This implies a more specific reference to a particular point or source.

already covered

This suggests that the topic has been thoroughly explored.

as we saw before

This phrase provides a more informal and direct tone.

earlier in this paper

This explicitly refers to the document at hand, useful in academic papers.

in the preceding section

This indicates a reference to a specific section of a document.

above

A shorter, more direct way to refer to something already presented.

FAQs

How do I use "discussed above" in a sentence?

You can use "discussed above" to refer back to a topic that has already been explained. For example, "The methodology, as "discussed above", involves three key steps."

What are some alternatives to "discussed above"?

Alternatives include "as previously mentioned", "as noted earlier", or "referred to earlier". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it acceptable to use "discussed above" in formal writing?

Yes, "discussed above" is generally acceptable in formal writing, including academic papers and reports. However, ensure that its usage contributes to clarity and avoids ambiguity.

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

"Discussed above" refers to information presented earlier in the text, while "discussed below" refers to information that will be presented later. Using the correct phrase ensures clarity and prevents reader confusion.