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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
in reference above
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "in reference above" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to something mentioned earlier in the text. Example: "As stated in reference above, the deadline is next Friday." Alternative expressions include "as mentioned above" and "as noted above."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(20)
referenced above
mentioned above
noted above
as described above
stated above
cited above
indicated above
detailed above
outlined above
set forth above
previously mentioned
as previously mentioned
as described earlier
as explained before
as noted previously
referred to above
discussed above
in the preceding section
as shown before
previously specified
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
The affidavit, obtained by the Guardian, reads: "On 5-8-14 an investigation began in the Sex Crimes Unit in reference to the above named defendant, an Oklahoma City Police Officer, sexually assaulting different women".
News & Media
In reference with the above discussion, the experiments are carried out.
In reference to #1 above, search the "yellow pages," or a business directory, for a picture framing shop near you.
Wiki
In reference to above secondary level, respondents whose mothers had an educational attainment level of secondary level were two (OR = 2.348) times more likely to choose a rural location for future practice (P value 0.010 with 95% CI = 1.222 4.513).
Science
(Also see the letter by Retsky et al [ 30] in reference to the above-mentioned paper by Norton).
Science
My work isn't only in my publications referenced above, but it is also in peer reviewed financial journals including seminal work in Risk Professional and The Journal of Structured Finance, and many more financial publications.
News & Media
Nilson's article in Inside Higher Ed referenced above, gives a quick overview to specifications grading basics.
Academia
Offerpal defended their mobile survey scams on stage and in the blog post referenced above, saying there was no scam involved.
News & Media
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misstated that the murder of a black teenager, referenced above, occurred in Louisiana; he was killed in Indiana.
News & Media
In addition to the sectors referenced above, I think bonds will actually perform reasonably well in 2019.
News & Media
In reference to the alcohol mention above, regular consumers of alcohol may find kava is a better choice.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Ensure the referent is physically close to the current sentence; if the information is several pages back, use a specific section number instead.
Common error
Avoid using "in reference above" if you have discussed multiple distinct points recently. This can confuse readers about exactly which piece of information you are targeting. Be specific if there is any doubt.
Source & Trust
90%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
This phrase serves as a textual pointer or an adverbial modifier. It anchors the current statement to a previous part of the discourse. According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically valid way to indicate that the information is not new but has been established earlier in the text.
Frequent in
Science
45%
News & Media
30%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
3%
Wiki
1.5%
Social Media
0.5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "in reference above" is a formal linguistic tool designed to enhance the logical structure of written work. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity, it is most effectively used in scientific and technical registers where internal consistency is vital. The phrase is often found in slightly different iterations, such as "in reference to the above" or "the reference above", suggesting that the exact three-word string is rare but its components are standard. For most professional contexts, alternatives like "referenced above" or "noted above" may feel more natural to the reader. When using this phrase, clarity is the most important factor; always ensure the reader can easily locate the specific point being referenced.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
referenced above
Uses a passive verb form which is more common in professional reporting.
mentioned above
A simpler and more frequent alternative for general writing.
as described above
Focuses on the process or explanation provided earlier in the document.
noted above
Implies that the information was specifically highlighted or observed.
stated above
Suggests a formal declaration or explicit statement made previously.
cited above
Used primarily when referring to external sources or evidence already presented.
indicated above
Refers to information shown or suggested in preceding sections.
detailed above
Emphasizes that a comprehensive explanation was already provided.
outlined above
Best for referring to summaries, lists or structural frameworks.
set forth above
A very formal, often legalistic way to refer to previous content.
FAQs
How to use "in reference above" in a sentence?
You can use it to link current statements to prior context, for example: "The data points "in reference above" demonstrate a clear trend in consumer behavior."
What can I say instead of "in reference above"?
You can use more common alternatives such as "referenced above", "mentioned above" or "noted above".
Which is correct, "in reference above" or "referenced above"?
Both are correct, but "referenced above" is significantly more frequent in modern professional and academic writing according to Ludwig data.
What is the difference between "in reference above" and "mentioned above"?
The phrase "mentioned above" is more general, whereas "in reference above" sounds slightly more formal or technical, often used in scientific contexts.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
90%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested