in the previous steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the previous steps" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that has previously been mentioned or explained in the same text. For example, "Follow the instructions below, and if you're still confused, refer back to the previous steps for more clarification."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(v) Finally, the binary secret message can be extracted using the estimated parameters in the previous steps.

Signal Processing

As in the previous steps, the second command will ask for the values of certificate fields, which can be set to any values.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Domino reactions are defined as two or more consecutive transformations under identical reaction conditions, in which the subsequent reactions take place at the functionalities formed in the previous steps without the addition of further reagents or catalysts1,2,3.

Nature

Blobs and clusters created in the previous steps are associated.  .

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Blobs and clusters created in the previous steps are associated.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

In the previous steps, we only look for voxel clusters of platelets and fibrin.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Other microorganisms, such as hydrolytic acidogens and acetogens, are involved in the previous steps.

AMB Express

We included in the keyword search all functional information identified in the previous steps.

European Journal of Futures Research

Afterward, we updated the optimal control values using the values of state and costate variables obtained in the previous steps.

Advances in Difference Equations

In the previous steps, the core node has received the identifiers of all the sensors and the selected cryptographic suites.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The pressures are calculated in the previous steps as an initial guess for pressures in the next step.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or explanations, use "in the previous steps" to clearly guide the reader back to earlier parts of the process, ensuring they understand the sequence.

Common error

Avoid using "in the previous steps" when referring to a general concept mentioned earlier but not directly tied to a step-by-step process. Instead, use phrases like "as mentioned above" or "previously discussed" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the previous steps" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb by indicating when or under what conditions an action should be performed. It guides the reader to refer to earlier instructions or procedures for clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and practical in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

Wiki

25%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the previous steps" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that directs readers to earlier instructions or procedures. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for instructional purposes. Predominantly found in scientific and technical writing, as well as in general guides on wikis and news media, it serves to provide clarity and ensure accurate execution of sequenced actions. When using this phrase, it is important to make sure that there is a sequence of steps that has been well defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the preceding stages

Replaces 'steps' with 'stages', emphasizing a broader phase of a process. It's slightly more formal.

in the former phases

Similar to 'in the preceding stages', but uses 'former' to denote what came before.

in the initial phases

Highlights the beginning stages of the process.

in the prior procedures

Substitutes 'previous' with 'prior' and 'steps' with 'procedures', giving a more technical or formal tone.

in the preceding actions

Replaces 'steps' with the more formal 'actions'.

in the above instructions

More specific, directly referencing written instructions given earlier.

as previously mentioned

A more general reference to something already stated, not necessarily a specific sequence of steps.

earlier in the process

Focuses on the overall process rather than individual steps. It's less specific.

in the foregoing actions

Uses more formal vocabulary ('foregoing' and 'actions') to refer to what was done before.

beforehand

A concise way to indicate something done earlier, lacking the step-by-step implication.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the previous steps" to refer back to actions or instructions detailed earlier in a process. For example, "Ensure all components are correctly aligned as described "in the previous steps"."

What are some alternatives to using "in the previous steps"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "as previously mentioned", "in the preceding stages", or "refer to earlier instructions" depending on the specific context and level of formality. Consider using "in the preceding stages" when referring to a formal, multistep process.

Is it redundant to say "in the previous steps" if the steps are already numbered?

While numbering provides a clear sequence, using "in the previous steps" can still enhance clarity, especially if there are multiple references to earlier steps throughout the text. The phrase directly signals that the reader should revisit those specific instructions.

When is it best to avoid using the phrase "in the previous steps"?

Avoid using "in the previous steps" if you are referring to something mentioned in a different section or document, or if the information wasn't presented as a sequence of steps. In those cases, use a more general reference like "as discussed earlier" or "see the introduction".