previous clause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous clause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a clause that has been mentioned earlier in a sentence or text. Example: "The conclusion drawn from the previous clause is that further research is necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The previous clause dated from a time when police officers physically seized computers and examined them in a police station.

The Guardian

The language in the current terms and conditions is toned down from a previous clause, present in February of this year, which was more explicit about the presence of fake accounts.

The Guardian - Tech

It is understood that the deal includes a significant bonus payment and sell-on clause, with his former club Standard Liège due 35% of any sale through a previous clause.

The Guardian - Sport

Batshuayi scored 17 goals in Ligue 1 last season and will become the most expensive sale in Marseille's history, eclipsing the fee they raised when selling Didier Drogba to Chelsea in 2004, though the player's former club, Standard Liege, are due 35% of the fee through a previous clause.

The Guardian - Sport

A last-minute codicil to the art dealer's will had promised the collection to the Irish Republic but because it was unwitnessed, a previous clause giving the paintings to the Tate was enforced by Britain - creating a further source of rancour between the two nations.

Independent

For example, the numeral 'one'-classifier combination in (50) is associated with the 'tent' in the previous clause.

Lingua Sinica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Theme, 'However, the Syrian officials', and the Rheme, 'have cooperated with the UN investigation', are Given information, because they are mentioned in previous clauses in this report, including the headline.

Functional Linguistics

Liverpool have ignored a previous release clause of £40m plus £1 initiated by Arsenal last summer, however.

Independent

They were disheartened that Justice Antonin Scalia, who had joined a ruling upholding a previous commerce clause case, seemed so hostile.

The New York Times

And they want to ban using parts of the previous two clauses -- the phrase "general Welfare" (or, as Republicans might put it, "the W-word"), and the sweeping "all Laws which shall be necessary and proper," which is wide open to interpretation.

Huffington Post

No problem, says the Commission to these types of concern: This ISDS will be more tightly defined in the treaty text than previous examples of that clause, so companies can't sue just because they've lost profits.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "previous clause", ensure the reference is clear and unambiguous, particularly in legal or technical writing. This avoids confusion and maintains the integrity of the document.

Common error

Avoid using "previous clause" if there's any doubt about which clause you're referring to. Clarify the reference or restate the clause for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous clause" functions as a noun phrase acting as an adjectival modifier. It identifies a specific clause by its position in a sequence, referring to one that has already been stated or presented. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previous clause" is a grammatically sound and functional element in written English, used to reference a preceding statement or provision. Ludwig confirms its correctness. While not overly common, with infrequent usage, it appears across diverse contexts, most frequently in News & Media and Scientific publications. Related phrases include "former clause" and "earlier clause". To ensure clarity, writers should prevent ambiguity by being specific about the clause to which they refer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

former clause

Replaces "previous" with "former", indicating an earlier clause.

preceding clause

Substitutes "previous" with "preceding", emphasizing the order.

prior clause

Replaces "previous" with "prior", a synonym indicating precedence.

earlier clause

Uses "earlier" instead of "previous", indicating a temporal relation.

clause mentioned before

Rephrases to explicitly state that the clause was mentioned earlier.

the clause discussed earlier

Emphasizes that the clause has been discussed at an earlier point.

clause above

Indicates the clause located immediately before.

aforementioned clause

Uses a formal term to refer to a clause already cited.

The clause stated previously

Rephrases to emphasize it was said at an earlier time

clause in the past

Highlights the past nature of the referred clause.

FAQs

How can I use "previous clause" in a sentence?

Use "previous clause" to refer back to a statement or provision that has already been mentioned. For example: "According to the "previous clause", all members must attend the meeting."

What is a good alternative to "previous clause"?

Alternatives include "earlier clause", "preceding clause", or "aforementioned clause" depending on the context and formality of your writing.

Is it ever incorrect to use "previous clause"?

While grammatically correct, "previous clause" can be unclear if the text contains multiple clauses and the reference isn't obvious. In such cases, rephrase or be more specific.

What's the difference between "previous clause" and "subsequent clause"?

"Previous clause" refers to a clause that came before the current one, while "subsequent clause" refers to a clause that follows it. They indicate opposite positions in a sequence.