discussed earlier

USAGE SUMMARY

"discussed earlier" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that has been previously mentioned or talked about in the same written work or conversation. Example: As discussed earlier, the new company policy will go into effect next month.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This has already been discussed earlier (Fekkes et al. 2007).

Amino Acids

(6) Despite the bite discussed earlier.

The Guardian - Film

[4] The Cyprus border was discussed earlier in this series.

The New York Times

This is not, however, the accounting identity discussed earlier.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Take the simple breathing exercises discussed earlier a bit further by exploring the practice of meditation.

The Guardian

Taking student preference into account, assign each group one sport from those discussed earlier to research.

The New York Times

These, like the uncertainty of setting discussed earlier, almost goad readers to supply their own meaning.

The Guardian - Books

It's unforgettable, even if it's not quite accurate, as discussed earlier on the Book Club blog.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

That was something D'Aloisio discussed earlier this year, but his "involvement" level has clearly changed.

TechCrunch

Let's take a closer look at Munster's assumptions, which AppleInsider discussed earlier today.

TechCrunch

As discussed earlier this week, there's no sure-fire way to make a successful viral video.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity, immediately follow "discussed earlier" with a specific reference (e.g. "discussed earlier in Section 2") if the context is complex.

Common error

Avoid using "discussed earlier" without providing sufficient context; ensure the reader can easily identify the previous discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discussed earlier" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating that the topic has been previously mentioned. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, referring back to prior statements or analyses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discussed earlier" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to refer back to previously mentioned information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its common usage across diverse sources, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to provide specific references when using this phrase. While versatile, more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously mentioned

Emphasizes that the topic was brought up at a prior time.

mentioned before

A more direct and simple way to indicate a prior mention.

as noted above

Specifically references information presented in a preceding section.

previously addressed

Highlights that the topic was actively dealt with or examined.

earlier stated

Focuses on the act of declaring or expressing something at an earlier point.

already covered

Indicates that the subject has been comprehensively dealt with.

detailed previously

Highlights that a thorough explanation was provided at an earlier time.

as explained above

Similar to 'as noted above', but emphasizes that something was explained.

beforehand discussed

Slightly less common phrasing that still refers to a prior discussion.

in a prior section

Directly references that the content was presented in a previous section of the material.

FAQs

How can I use "discussed earlier" in a sentence?

You can use "discussed earlier" to refer back to a point that has been previously mentioned, for example, "As "discussed earlier", the results indicate a significant correlation."

What are some alternatives to "discussed earlier"?

Some alternatives include "previously mentioned", "as noted above", or "already covered". The choice depends on the specific context.

Is "discussed earlier" too informal for academic writing?

While "discussed earlier" is acceptable, using more formal alternatives like "previously addressed" or "detailed previously" may be more suitable for certain academic contexts.

How do I avoid ambiguity when using "discussed earlier"?

To avoid ambiguity, clearly specify what you are referring to, for example, "the methodology "discussed earlier" in Section 3". Adding a specific reference will improve clarity.