previous sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

'previous sentence' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a sentence that was stated before the current one. For example: "I had a great time at the beach. The previous sentence is not surprising, as I love swimming in the ocean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that includes the previous sentence.

Independent

Re-read the previous sentence.

University of California, Berkeley

The previous sentence needs a little explanation.

The New Yorker

By the way, that previous sentence about "simplism" isn't mine.

The Guardian

Hindsight is the crucial word in the previous sentence.

The New York Times

They have been doing so in such quiet that the previous sentence may seem startling.

The New York Times

"My personal view is that the prefix 'mis' in the previous sentence can be deleted.

The Guardian

The previous sentence was a 13-year prison term ordered last year in a Florida case.

The New York Times

There's a certain kind of man who will read the previous sentence and bristle.

The Guardian - Arts

What would happen if I followed the previous sentence with this one, I'll think.

The New Yorker

(In the previous sentence, the predicate is everything except "the predicate," which is the subject).

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previous sentence", ensure the connection to the current sentence is clear to maintain coherence and flow.

Common error

Avoid using "previous sentence" if several sentences have been introduced since the one you intend to reference. This can confuse the reader and weaken your argument. In such cases, it's better to restate the idea or use a more specific reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous sentence" functions as a noun phrase acting as a referential expression. It points back to a sentence that has already been stated in the text. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it's used to clarify, elaborate on, or draw attention to a prior point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

23%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previous sentence" is a noun phrase commonly used to refer to a statement already made in the text. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and highly versatile across numerous contexts. Its neutral register and frequent occurrence in news, scientific, and academic writing underscore its significance. To enhance clarity, ensure a clear connection between the "previous sentence" and the current one, avoiding ambiguity. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can utilize "previous sentence" effectively to construct well-structured and persuasive arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sentence above

Refers specifically to the sentence immediately above the current one.

preceding statement

Focuses on the content of what was said before, rather than just the grammatical unit.

the last sentence

Simple and direct way to denote the immediately preceding sentence.

earlier sentence

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the sentence coming before.

sentence before

A more informal and direct way of referencing the prior sentence.

aforementioned sentence

A more formal way to refer to a sentence previously mentioned.

prior statement

Similar to 'preceding statement' but can encompass more than just a single sentence.

the foregoing sentence

A formal alternative to 'previous sentence'.

the prior clause

More specific, referring to a clause rather than a full sentence.

that sentence

A more casual reference, often used when the context makes the reference clear.

FAQs

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

You can use "previous sentence" to refer back to a statement you've already made, for example: "I enjoyed the movie. The "previous sentence" might seem obvious, but it sets the stage for my critique."

What are some alternatives to "previous sentence"?

Alternatives include "preceding statement", "earlier sentence", or "sentence before" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "the sentence before" instead of "previous sentence"?

Yes, "the sentence before" is a correct and more informal alternative to "previous sentence". Both phrases serve the same purpose of referring to the immediately preceding statement.

What is the difference between "previous sentence" and "prior statement"?

"Previous sentence" refers specifically to the sentence immediately before the current one. "Prior statement", on the other hand, is a broader term that could refer to a statement made at any point earlier in the text or conversation. Use "prior statement" when the reference isn't necessarily the immediately preceding sentence.