in the previous step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the previous step" is correct and can be used in written English.
The phrase is commonly used to describe the action that occurred before what is being discussed. For example: "In the previous step, we discussed the benefits of using this technique."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do not undo the folds made in the previous step.

WikiHow

In the previous step, the bank determined that customer satisfaction drives value (it is predictive).

Harvard Business Review

A single green line will be projected near one of the strings you placed in the previous step.

Vice

Slides were washed as in the previous step.

Plosone

Node set V consists of all the NCIV representatives obtained in the previous step.

Plosone

parameters estimated in the previous step.

Cytometry Part A

As discussed in the previous step.

WikiHow

Package as outlined in the previous step.

WikiHow

Multiply the value found in the previous step by 20.

WikiHow

Let's reexamine the sentences we used in the previous step.

WikiHow

Expand the triangles you folded in the previous step.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or procedures, always clearly define what each "step" entails to ensure the reader understands what was done "in the previous step".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying what occurred "in the previous step". Do not rely on the reader's memory; briefly reiterate the action to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the previous step" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating the temporal order of actions or events. It modifies a verb or clause by specifying when something occurs in relation to a prior action. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

51%

Science

25%

News & Media

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the previous step" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression. As verified by Ludwig AI, it serves as an adverbial phrase that provides essential context, clarifying the temporal sequence of actions or events, particularly within instructional or explanatory content. It is appropriate for most writing registers. While frequently seen in Wiki articles and across news/media, it is equally appropriate in scientific papers and formal business documents. Consider related alternatives such as "in the prior stage" or "earlier in the process" depending on the level of formality and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the immediately prior action

Adds "immediately" to emphasize the direct sequential nature of the step being discussed.

in the prior stage

Replaces "step" with "stage", suggesting a slightly broader or more abstract phase of a process.

in the step before

A simplified version, directly referencing the sequential nature but with less formality.

in the preceding phase

Uses "preceding" for a more formal tone and "phase" to suggest a distinct part of a process.

earlier in the process

Offers a less specific, more general reference to an earlier point in a process.

in the last phase

Substitutes "previous" with "last", slightly changing the temporal focus but remaining similar in meaning.

as previously mentioned

Shifts the focus to a verbal reference, indicating something already stated.

in the foregoing action

Replaces "previous" with "foregoing", and "step" with "action", suggesting more elevated formality.

before this point

Simplifies the reference to an earlier time without explicitly mentioning a step or phase.

following the above

Indicates a sequence based on the content that has already been described.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "in the previous step" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "in the preceding phase" or "in the prior stage".

Is it always necessary to explicitly mention "in the previous step"?

No, sometimes it's sufficient to use a more general reference like "earlier in the process" or "as previously mentioned" if the context is clear.

What's the difference between "in the previous step" and "in the next step"?

"In the previous step" refers to an action that has already occurred, while "in the next step" refers to an action that will occur subsequently. They denote opposite directions in a sequence.

Can I use "in the last step" instead of "in the previous step"?

While similar, "in the last step" might imply the final action of a sequence. "In the previous step" is more general and applies to any step before the current one.