previous line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a line of text that comes before the current line in a document or conversation. Example: "Please refer to the previous line for the correct instructions on how to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The previous line was "It takes leadership to confront a nation's fear.

The Guardian - Film

Messing around would not have got Pipe, who turned 40 last month, very far in his previous line of work.

Independent

"AKP can no longer continue with its previous line in politics," said Onur Oymen, the deputy chairman of the secular opposition Republican People's Party.

The New York Times

But while Mr. Recio was relieved to be in Madrid, he was unable to find a job as an electrician, his previous line of work.

The New York Times

Second, in the case of the trials that might be relevant to me, it is a requirement that any previous line of systematic chemotherapy treatment has failed.

The Guardian

His previous line incorporated typewriter-font engraved words on the side of small earthenware pieces to indicate the function (bowl, sugar, salt).

The New York Times

They say throughout the song that they 'can't stop the beat', then insist they 'won't stop the beat', an assertion that I feel is redundant, given that they claim to be unable to stop it in the previous line.

The Guardian - Sport

They are not real entrepreneurs, after all, but "mumpreneurs" and all four of the featured women say they felt they couldn't maintain their previous line of employment while having children.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sergei Lavrov, Mr Putin's foreign minister, said on December 16th that "Russia does not insist on the federalisation of Ukraine or the autonomy of Donbas," a sharp turn from the Kremlin's previous line.

The Economist

If the Army Corps proceeds with a controversial plan to rebuild the dune line slightly north of the previous line, some oceanfront houses may have to be torn down.

The New York Times

Therefore, the previous line of reasoning would still be valid.

SERIEs

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the "previous line" in technical writing, ensure clarity by also including a line number or other identifier if possible, especially in long documents.

Common error

Avoid using "previous line" when the reference is not immediately clear. Readers may lose track if the referenced line is several paragraphs away. Use more specific references like "the statement in the third paragraph" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous line" functions as a referential marker, pointing back to a preceding statement or line of text. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread use in various contexts, confirming its validity as a means of referencing prior content.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previous line" is a versatile and common way to refer to a preceding statement in both written and spoken English. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across a spectrum of contexts including science, news, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "preceding line" or "aforementioned line". This phrase serves primarily to create a cohesive flow of information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preceding line

Focuses on the order and sequence, emphasizing that the line comes before.

the line before

A simple and direct way to indicate the immediately preceding line.

prior line

A more formal synonym for "previous line", indicating something that came before in time or order.

aforementioned line

Highlights that the line was mentioned earlier and is being referred to again.

earlier line

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the line appearing at an earlier point.

above line

Specifies the physical placement of the line directly above the current one.

foregoing line

A formal alternative to "previous line", implying something that precedes in a document or text.

previous sentence

Changes the scope from a line to a sentence, useful when the line constitutes a full sentence.

the line in question

Highlights that a particular line is under discussion or scrutiny.

the stated line

Focuses on the fact that the line has been explicitly stated or written.

FAQs

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

You can use "previous line" to refer back to a statement or idea presented earlier in a text or conversation, for example: "As stated in the "previous line", further research is needed."

What's a more formal alternative to "previous line"?

More formal alternatives include "preceding line", "aforementioned line", or "prior line", depending on the context.

Is it always clear what "previous line" refers to?

Not always. Ensure the "previous line" is unambiguous, especially in lengthy documents. If there's any chance of confusion, use a more specific reference.

Can I use "previous line" when speaking?

Yes, "previous line" is acceptable in both written and spoken English. However, in speech, you might also use phrases like "as I said before" or "earlier statement" for a more conversational tone.