in the foregoing paragraph

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the foregoing paragraph" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer back to a paragraph that has just been mentioned or discussed, often in formal writing. Example: "As stated in the foregoing paragraph, the results of the study indicate a significant correlation between the variables."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

One prim footnote reads: "We do not thoroughly comprehend the author's drift in the foregoing paragraph, but are inclined to think its tone reprehensible, and its tendency impolitic in the present stage of our national difficulties".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The correctness of the second interpretation of the view that the human being was created good, as argued in the foregoing paragraphs, can have an anchor also in the Akan notion of tiboa: conscience, moral sense a sense of right or wrong.

SEP

Considering the foregoing paragraph, the fact that the majority of social competence measurements aspire to enlighten general social competences makes their assessment very difficult, if not impossible.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

The foregoing paragraph summarizes a common objection to government taxation for welfare programs in liberal societies such as the UK and the United States, or what one might call the crude freedom objection to the enactment of a social minimum (see also Plant 1998: 67).

SEP

And you'd be right, but not entirely right, for the foregoing paragraphs also accurately describe another Australian batsman: Matt Hayden.

The Guardian - Sport

The foregoing paragraphs offer reasons for thinking that these tempting lines of thought are erroneous.

SEP

Emerging from the foregoing paragraphs are a number of observations that have very critical underpinnings for policy and the practice of housing urban residents in Harare.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

From the foregoing paragraphs, it has already emerged that there are five critical issues to note.

City, Territory and Architecture

The foregoing paragraphs show that the standard two-dimensionalist argument associated with Table 3 is more ambitious, in some respects, than the Kripkean argument from the subsection on Mind (§3.4) of this entry.

SEP

The foregoing paragraphs suggest that past efforts to revitalise the inner-city of Harare have been futile.

City, Territory and Architecture

Statements and references made in the immediately foregoing paragraphs indicate the nonreligious foundation of African ethics.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the foregoing paragraph" primarily in formal writing contexts, such as academic papers or legal documents, where precision and a clear reference to prior information are essential.

Common error

Avoid using "in the foregoing paragraph" in casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "as mentioned earlier" or "previously" are more appropriate and maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the foregoing paragraph" functions as an adjunct within a sentence, specifically directing the reader's attention to a previously mentioned section of the text. It helps to maintain coherence and provides a clear reference point. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the foregoing paragraph" serves as a navigational tool in formal writing, directing readers to a previously mentioned section. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and primarily used in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts. While effective in maintaining clarity and coherence, its formal tone makes it less suitable for informal communication. Alternatives like "in the previous paragraph" or "as mentioned earlier" may be more appropriate in those settings. Understanding its precise function and formality level ensures its effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the preceding paragraph

Replaces "foregoing" with "preceding", indicating the paragraph that comes immediately before.

in the previous paragraph

Substitutes "foregoing" with "previous", a more common synonym referring to the immediately prior paragraph.

in the above paragraph

Uses "above" instead of "foregoing", indicating the paragraph positioned earlier in the text.

in the aforementioned paragraph

Replaces "foregoing" with "aforementioned", a more formal synonym denoting a paragraph previously cited.

as discussed in the earlier paragraph

Restructures the phrase to emphasize the discussion aspect, using "earlier" as a substitute.

in the paragraph mentioned earlier

Rephrases to highlight the act of mentioning the paragraph at a prior point.

referring to the prior paragraph

Focuses on the act of referring back, using "prior" as a synonym for "foregoing".

with reference to the paragraph above

Changes the structure to emphasize the reference, using "above" to indicate location.

in light of the earlier paragraph

Introduces a causal element, indicating that the current point is made in consideration of the earlier paragraph.

considering the paragraph detailed before

Emphasizes the detailed nature of the prior paragraph, using "before" to indicate sequence.

FAQs

What does "in the foregoing paragraph" mean?

The phrase "in the foregoing paragraph" refers to a paragraph that has been previously mentioned or discussed in a text. It's used to direct the reader's attention back to that specific section.

When is it appropriate to use "in the foregoing paragraph"?

It's most appropriate in formal writing, such as academic papers, legal documents, or technical reports, where precise references are important. In informal writing, simpler alternatives are often preferred.

What can I say instead of "in the foregoing paragraph"?

You can use alternatives like "in the preceding paragraph", "in the previous paragraph", or "in the above paragraph" depending on the context.

How is "in the foregoing paragraph" different from "in the following paragraph"?

"In the foregoing paragraph" refers to a paragraph that precedes the current one, while "in the following paragraph" refers to a paragraph that comes after the current one. They indicate opposite directions in the text.