in the prior paragraph

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the prior paragraph" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer back to information or statements made in a previous paragraph within the same text. Example: "As mentioned in the prior paragraph, the results of the study indicate a significant correlation between the variables."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

5 While the full meaning of a "knowledge framework" is the subject of much discussion, here I simply use "framework" in the very specific sense discussed in the prior paragraph: a basic overview of a topic with stated relationships among its various components.

Yale University

The advantage of converting this year is the ability to report income in two installments (with the potential for better matching state income tax deductions as described in the prior paragraph).

Forbes

I would posit that a better analysis of the controversy arises from Ms. Rabinowitz' statement in the prior paragraph of the article: "Despite all my accomplishments -- and my age is also an accomplishment -- I felt minimized".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The latter will never happen, and neither will the prior paragraph's suggestion.

Huffington Post

Demographic and SES characteristics (listed in prior paragraph) for these areas were used as the predictors (x-variables) in a multivariable normal regression imputation model to predict block-group health behavior/outcome prevalence.

BMC Public Health

Dr. Carlos Campillo, Hospital Universitario Son Dureta, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, kindly pointed out that in the paragraph prior to the conclusion, it should read "Figure 3" instead of "Figure 2" and that in the last two sentences of that paragraph, it should read "gram-positive" instead of "gram-negative" [ 1].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Because a different region of the 16S rRNA locus was targeted for sequencing in the prior studies referenced in the above paragraph, direct OTU comparisons cannot be performed.

BMC Genomics

The performance payment amount specified in this paragraph for the prior year, adjusted as specified in paragraph (d) of this section.

Cornell University

The bridge payment amount specified in this paragraph for the prior year, adjusted as specified in paragraph (d) of this section.

Cornell University

The prior notice requirement in paragraph (1) shall not apply with regard to the acquisition of shares that would qualify for the exemptions in section 1843(c) of this title or section 1843 k)(4)(E) of this title.

Cornell University

The first asterisk indicates where the sentence had been (in the paragraph regarding the prior vaccine reactions), and the second asterisk indicates where the sentence has been moved to accurately reflect that Snyder was commenting on a physical exam during the visit about the hammer incident.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the prior paragraph", ensure the referenced paragraph is easily identifiable and directly precedes the current one to avoid reader confusion. This is especially important in documents with many paragraphs or complex structures.

Common error

Avoid using "in the prior paragraph" if significant content or headings separate the reference from the actual paragraph. In such cases, specify the section or heading for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the prior paragraph" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate where certain information was previously presented. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English for referencing prior content.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the prior paragraph" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for referencing information presented in the preceding paragraph. Though relatively rare in overall usage, it finds application across academic, news, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI validates its appropriateness for written English. When employing this phrase, ensure the referenced paragraph is immediately preceding and clearly relevant to avoid ambiguity. More common alternatives include "in the previous paragraph" or "as mentioned above".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the preceding paragraph

Replaces "prior" with "preceding", maintaining the same meaning with a slightly more formal tone.

in the previous paragraph

Substitutes "prior" with "previous", offering a common and straightforward alternative.

in the paragraph above

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

in the earlier paragraph

Substitutes "prior" with "earlier", indicating a reference to a paragraph that appeared before the current one.

in the immediately preceding paragraph

Adds emphasis on the proximity of the referenced paragraph.

in the foregoing paragraph

Replaces "prior" with "foregoing", resulting in a more formal and less common phrasing.

see the previous paragraph

A concise directive to consult the immediately preceding paragraph.

as mentioned earlier

Shifts from a specific paragraph reference to a more general temporal reference.

refer to the paragraph above

Uses a verb to instruct the reader to look at the previous paragraph.

as discussed above

Replaces paragraph-specific reference with a general reference to earlier discussion.

FAQs

What's the difference between "in the prior paragraph" and "in the previous paragraph"?

The phrases "in the prior paragraph" and "in the previous paragraph" are largely interchangeable. "In the previous paragraph" is more commonly used in contemporary English, while "in the prior paragraph" might be considered slightly more formal or old-fashioned, though both are grammatically sound.

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

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

How do I use "in the prior paragraph" correctly in a sentence?

Use "in the prior paragraph" to refer back to information or statements made in the paragraph immediately before the current one. For example: "As discussed "in the prior paragraph", the results suggest a correlation."

Is it appropriate to use "in the prior paragraph" in formal writing?

Yes, "in the prior paragraph" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure that the paragraph being referenced is clearly identifiable. If there is any ambiguity, use more specific references such as section titles or page numbers.