previously discussed

USAGE SUMMARY

"previously discussed" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a topic or issue that has already been discussed or mentioned in the previous part of a conversation, text, or other form of communication. For example: "We need to revisit the ideas we previously discussed and decide on the best course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

@elizabethhurley – for reasons previously discussed.

The Guardian - Tech

This makes it worse, as previously discussed.

The New Yorker

We have previously discussed these documents.

Harvard University

The Northerner has previously discussed this, here and here.

The Guardian

We previously discussed the SEC concept release here.

Harvard University

Decisions not previously discussed usually had to be made during a crisis.

The New York Times - Health

As previously discussed, I have a lifelong problem with Doctor Who (Saturday, BBC1).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She previously discussed another project with Tennant, about a "cross-dressing, cocaine-snorting therapist".

The Guardian

We previously discussed legitimate complaints about aspects of the police investigation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Students may seek to display their posters in the location(s) previously discussed by the class.

The New York Times

A joint venture was previously discussed by the companies, a former NBC executive said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previously discussed", ensure the reference is clear and easily identifiable to the audience to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "previously discussed" if the prior discussion was not explicit or easily recalled by the audience. Provide a brief recap or specific reference to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously discussed" functions as a past participle adjective modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies (e.g., topic, issue, plan) has been discussed at an earlier point in time. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previously discussed" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to reference topics addressed earlier. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the reference is clear to the audience. Alternatives such as "already mentioned" or "previously mentioned" can be used for variety. While adaptable to both neutral and formal settings, avoid using it if the prior discussion lacks clarity or is not easily recalled. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use "previously discussed" to maintain coherence and clarity in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously mentioned

Similar to "already mentioned" but uses 'previously' for emphasis on the past.

discussed before

A more direct and simple way of saying something was discussed earlier.

already mentioned

Focuses on the act of mentioning, implying a prior reference to the topic.

previously addressed issue

Focuses specifically on an issue that has been dealt with before.

earlier addressed

Highlights the act of addressing a topic at an earlier time.

already covered

Emphasizes the completeness of the prior discussion.

referred to earlier

Emphasizes the act of making a reference in a prior conversation or text.

as explained before

Highlights the fact that something was explained in detail previously.

as noted above

Used when referring to something that was explicitly stated earlier in the text.

above mentioned

Common in formal or legal writing to point back to something already stated.

FAQs

How can I use "previously discussed" in a sentence?

You can use "previously discussed" to refer to a topic that has already been mentioned, such as: "The budget, as "previously discussed", needs to be revised."

What are some alternatives to "previously discussed"?

Alternatives include "already mentioned", "previously mentioned", or "earlier addressed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "previously discussed"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "previously discussed" may sound awkward. It's usually better to integrate it within the sentence for a smoother flow. For example, instead of saying "Previously discussed, the results were inconclusive" rather use "As "previously discussed", the results were inconclusive".

How formal is the phrase "previously discussed"?

"Previously discussed" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles. However, for very informal conversations, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.