earlier sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earlier sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to a sentence mentioned previously in the text. Example: "In the earlier sentence, I explained the importance of time management in achieving success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

(An earlier sentence of excommunication under Clement VII had been suspended).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Hai was rearrested after completing an earlier sentence for tax evasion.

The New York Times

He was given a one-year sentence to run concurrently with his earlier sentence.

The New York Times

The other, Steven J. Hayes of Winsted, served 80percentt of his earlier sentence on burglary charges.

The New York Times

And even the lower figure of 20 years would have made the judge's earlier sentence one of the longest for a white-collar crime.

The New York Times

Mr Mubarak, now 86, still has a few months to serve from an earlier sentence for corruption; most of the other men walked free.The trial was shaky from the start.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The director was earlier sentenced to 18 years in prison.

The New York Times

After her earlier sentencing this year, the current American ambassador, Gary Locke, urged Beijing to release her.

The New York Times

The judge who wants to hang 188 people earlier sentenced three Al Jazeera journalists to stiff terms.

The Economist

A lower court had earlier sentenced Cho to a year in prison.

The Guardian

But the convictions may have been delayed because of street violence following earlier sentences for other Jamaat leaders.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "earlier sentence", ensure the context makes it clear which sentence you are referencing, especially in longer documents.

Common error

Avoid using "earlier sentence" if several sentences have been presented. Instead, be specific by rephrasing the key part of the sentence you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earlier sentence" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, acting as an adjective to specify which sentence is being referred to. It modifies a noun, pointing back to a statement already present in the text. Ludwig confirms this is a valid and clear way to provide context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "earlier sentence" serves as a useful tool for referring back to a previous statement in writing and speech. While Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, it's essential to ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. The phrase is most commonly found in news, science and encyclopedic contexts, maintaining a neutral tone. Alternatives such as "previous sentence" or "preceding sentence" can be used for variety. Always prioritize clarity by making sure your reference is easily identifiable. Ludwig's examples show the phrase in action across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous sentence

Direct synonym referring to the sentence that came before.

preceding sentence

Emphasizes the temporal order, indicating the sentence that immediately precedes.

prior sentence

Similar to "previous", but may imply a slightly more formal context.

aforementioned sentence

More formal, indicating a sentence already mentioned explicitly.

sentence mentioned earlier

Rephrases the original phrase with a slight shift in structure.

sentence above

Indicates position if the text is laid out linearly.

sentence in question

Refers to a specific sentence being discussed.

already stated sentence

Highlights that the sentence has been expressed previously.

previously cited sentence

Useful when the sentence has been formally quoted or referenced.

the sentence before

Simplifies the structure while maintaining the meaning.

FAQs

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

The phrase "earlier sentence" is used to refer back to a statement that has already been made in a text. For example: "In the "earlier sentence", I outlined the main problem; now, I will provide a solution."

What are some alternatives to "earlier sentence"?

Alternatives to "earlier sentence" include "previous sentence", "preceding sentence", or "prior sentence". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to say "earlier sentence" or "previous sentence"?

"Earlier sentence" and "previous sentence" are largely interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference, though "previous" might be slightly more common in general usage.

What's the difference between "earlier sentence" and "the sentence before"?

"Earlier sentence" is a more formal way to refer to a sentence that has already been mentioned. "The sentence before" is more casual and indicates sequence within the text.