in the previous paragraph

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the previous paragraph" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to information or statements made earlier in the text, helping to maintain clarity and coherence. Example: "As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the results of the study indicate a significant improvement in performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

See again the comment on accuracy given in the previous paragraph.

The Guardian

The attribution was in the previous paragraph – to an unnamed law enforcement official.

The New York Times

Giants fans may no longer recognize the brief updates in the previous paragraph.

The New York Times

This crystallizes Reid's disagreement with Hume in the previous paragraph.

SEP

The algorithm follows closely the description in the previous paragraph.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

The performance indicators I gave you in the previous paragraph are net of fees.

TechCrunch

Further research is warranted for addressing the issues outlined in the previous paragraph.

Journal of Cloud Computing

The Ge enrichment discussed in the previous paragraph significantly modifies the energy spectrum of the island.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Therefore, the Y-axis bias is instead determined by the procedure outlined in the previous paragraph.

Earth, Planets and Space

so we can apply the conclusion in the previous paragraph to to get the same conclusion.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Quantitative cultures from aliquots after different incubation times were performed as described in the previous paragraph.

AMB Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, ensure that the "previous paragraph" contains a clear and distinct idea or point that you are referencing. This will avoid ambiguity and ensure that readers can easily follow your train of thought.

Common error

Avoid using "in the previous paragraph" excessively or when the referenced information is not easily recalled. If the information is complex or the gap between paragraphs is large, briefly restate the key point to refresh the reader's memory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the previous paragraph" functions as an adjunct or adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by specifying the location of previously mentioned information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the previous paragraph" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to refer back to earlier content. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to link ideas and maintain coherence across a text. While effective, writers should ensure the reference is clear and easily accessible to the reader. For variety, consider using alternatives like "in the preceding paragraph" or "as mentioned above". Remember that excessive use or unclear references can hinder comprehension, so use this tool judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the preceding paragraph

Uses a synonym for 'previous', maintaining the same structure and meaning.

in the prior paragraph

Replaces 'previous' with 'prior', suggesting a slightly more formal tone.

in the immediately preceding paragraph

Adds emphasis on the adjacency of the referenced paragraph.

in the paragraph above

Uses a more direct spatial reference instead of a temporal one.

in the last paragraph

Uses 'last' instead of 'previous', implying the most recent paragraph.

as mentioned above

Focuses on the act of mentioning rather than the specific location of the information.

in the earlier paragraph

Substitutes 'previous' with 'earlier', which can sometimes imply a less immediate reference.

referring to the paragraph above

Highlights the act of referring back to a specific location.

in the foregoing paragraph

Employs a more formal and somewhat archaic term for 'previous'.

as discussed previously

Shifts the focus to the discussion rather than the location.

FAQs

How can I use "in the previous paragraph" in a sentence?

The phrase "in the previous paragraph" is used to refer back to information, details, or arguments presented earlier in the text. For instance, "As discussed "in the previous paragraph", these findings suggest a significant correlation between the variables."

What are some alternatives to saying "in the previous paragraph"?

You can use alternatives such as "in the preceding paragraph", "in the prior paragraph", "as mentioned above", or "in the paragraph above", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "in the previous paragraph" or "in the prior paragraph"?

Both "in the previous paragraph" and "in the prior paragraph" are correct and can be used interchangeably. "Prior" might sound slightly more formal than "previous", but the difference is minimal.

When should I avoid using "in the previous paragraph"?

Avoid using "in the previous paragraph" if the reference is not immediately clear or if several paragraphs have intervened. In such cases, it's better to restate the information briefly or use a more specific reference.