previous section

USAGE SUMMARY

"previous section" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
For example: "As mentioned in the previous section, we need to make sure all core objectives are met."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I mentioned this in the previous section.

Cornell University

Students may find past syllabi by opening the previous section.

Columbia University

** View the works cited in the previous section.

Princeton University

In the previous section, we found when is real.

Stanford University

In the previous section I talked about ruling out ideas.

Stanford University

Take the joke that you wrote in the previous section and take it apart.

The Guardian - Books

The previous section of woods had included a lot of scraggly undergrowth.

The New York Times - Arts

In the previous section we described the basics for conducting an experiment.

Harvard Business Review

discussed in the previous section.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Previous section was about related works.

Journal of Big Data

For example, 5% - 7% over 10 years, creating the scenario from the previous section.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring back to a "previous section", briefly mention the key topic or finding from that section to provide immediate context for the reader. This enhances clarity and minimizes the need for readers to search for the referenced information.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "as discussed in the previous section" without providing any specific details. Instead, briefly summarize the relevant points from the "previous section" to refresh the reader's memory and maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous section" functions as a referential marker, directing the reader's attention to an earlier part of the text. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used to establish connections between different parts of a document.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

Academia

15%

News & Media

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previous section" serves as a referential marker to guide readers through a text, enhancing coherence by linking current content to earlier discussions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains. It is suitable for neutral to formal registers, making it a versatile choice for academic, professional, and journalistic writing. To maximize clarity, writers should consider briefly summarizing key points from the "previous section" rather than relying solely on the reference. Alternative phrases, such as "earlier section" or "preceding section", offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis, providing writers with flexibility in their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earlier section

Changes "previous" to "earlier", offering a slightly less formal synonym while retaining the core meaning.

preceding section

Replaces "previous" with "preceding", providing a more formal synonym that emphasizes the order of appearance.

prior section

Replaces "previous" with "prior", a synonym that slightly simplifies the phrasing.

section above

Offers a spatial metaphor, indicating the prior section by its relative position in a document.

foregoing section

Substitutes "previous" with "foregoing", presenting a more archaic and formal alternative.

aforementioned section

Uses "aforementioned" to highlight that the section has been explicitly mentioned earlier.

immediately preceding section

Adds specificity by indicating the section that comes directly before the current one.

section discussed earlier

Emphasizes the act of discussing the section at a prior point in the text.

section reviewed earlier

Highlights that the section was specifically reviewed or analyzed before.

the above section

Uses "above" to indicate the section is placed higher in the document, suitable for digital contexts.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "previous section" in a sentence?

Use "previous section" to refer back to an earlier part of a document or text. For example, "In the "previous section", we outlined the theoretical framework."

What are some alternatives to "previous section"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "previous section" in formal writing?

Yes, "previous section" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic and technical contexts. However, ensure clarity by briefly summarizing the content of the referenced section.

How can I make references to a "previous section" more effective?

To make references more effective, avoid vague statements. Instead, specify the topic or key findings from the "previous section" to provide immediate context and reduce reader effort.