in the preceding paragraphs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the preceding paragraphs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to information or content that was mentioned earlier in the text. Example: "The conclusions drawn in this study are based on the evidence presented in the preceding paragraphs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

In the preceding paragraphs, the word "stature" has been treated as a word with a meaning expressible in concrete terms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What has been covered in the preceding paragraphs may be the most that can be said within restricted compass about the social sciences of the 20th century without turning to the individual social sciences themselves and related disciplines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The methods of cost finding described in the preceding paragraphs are known as full, or absorption, costing methods, in that the overhead rates are intended to include provisions for all manufacturing costs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A huge thanks to primary school teacher Tim Taylor for creating and sharing a complete unit of work to study ancient Greece which has been inspired by the British Museum's collection and extends the use of the resources highlighted in the preceding paragraphs.

The Guardian

The words 'trust' and 'confidence' in the preceding paragraphs are chosen deliberately.

EPJ Quantum Technology

In the preceding paragraphs, you'll notice the frequent appearance of the word "increased" in relation to LinkedIn's fourth quarter earnings.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Already, in the preceding paragraph, mention has begun of arts other than literature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still, given that possession, transfer or sale of cluster munitions are banned in scores of nations by international convention, the questions in the preceding paragraph begged answers.

The New York Times

Newton originally applied the idea of attractions and repulsions solely to the range of terrestrial phenomena mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The quotes in the preceding paragraph were not included in the Profile but they bring us back to the question of what — or whom — Bryant represents, and how he wishes to exert his considerable influence.

The New Yorker

In the preceding paragraph, I used a pair of dashes to interrupt a sentence and insert supplementary material that gave the question meaning or -- to writers, at least -- urgency.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of "in the preceding paragraphs" in a single document. Vary your phrasing with synonyms like "as previously mentioned" or "discussed above" to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Don't assume readers perfectly remember details from earlier paragraphs. Briefly summarize the key information you're referencing to avoid forcing readers to search back, thus ensuring clarity and maintaining the flow of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the preceding paragraphs" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate where certain information or details can be found within a text. It's a common way to provide context and connect ideas across multiple paragraphs, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the preceding paragraphs" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for referring back to earlier parts of a text. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is commonly used in formal and scientific writing, as demonstrated by its prevalence in science, encyclopedias, and news media sources. While effective, it's important to use this phrase judiciously and consider alternative phrasings like "as previously mentioned" or "discussed above" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. Ensuring clear and direct links between your references and the content will improve readability and comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in earlier paragraphs

A slight variation, emphasizing the 'earlier' nature of the paragraphs.

discussed above

This is a shorter, more direct way to refer to something already covered.

as stated above

A simple and direct reference to information provided earlier.

as previously mentioned

This alternative offers a more concise way to refer to something already stated.

as detailed earlier

This highlights that previous content contained specific details.

in the foregoing text

This option employs more formal language to indicate preceding content.

previously described

Focuses on the act of describing something in preceding content.

in the prior section

This phrase is more specific, indicating reference to a preceding section rather than paragraphs.

in what has come before

A more literary and less direct way to refer to preceding text.

to reiterate previous points

Highlights the intention of summarizing or emphasizing earlier points.

FAQs

How can I use "in the preceding paragraphs" in a sentence?

You can use "in the preceding paragraphs" to refer back to information or arguments presented earlier in your text. For example: "As discussed "in the preceding paragraphs", this approach has several limitations."

What are some alternatives to "in the preceding paragraphs"?

Alternatives include "as previously mentioned", "discussed above", or "in the prior section", depending on the context and how specific you need to be.

Is it better to say "in the preceding paragraph" or "in the preceding paragraphs"?

Use "in the preceding paragraph" when referring to a single, immediately preceding paragraph. Use "in the preceding paragraphs" when referring to multiple paragraphs.

How formal is the phrase "in the preceding paragraphs"?

The phrase "in the preceding paragraphs" is suitable for formal writing. More informal alternatives might include phrases like "as I said earlier" or "like I mentioned before", but these are less appropriate for academic or professional contexts.