previously mentioned

USAGE SUMMARY

"previously mentioned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer back to something that was said or written earlier in the same document (or sometimes in a different document). Example: As previously mentioned, the project deadline has been moved up to next week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As previously mentioned, most birds form pairs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Consider the three examples previously mentioned.

The New York Times

As previously mentioned this was configuration based.

The Guardian

As I've previously mentioned, I do have witty side.

The Guardian - Books

Presumably the musical scores previously mentioned in Vol. 9, Doc.

Princeton University

The Htel de l'Europe is smaller than those previously mentioned.

Cornell University

Consider the food-delivery business I previously mentioned.

Harvard Business Review

The first are those "hairy" varieties I previously mentioned.

The New York Times

In addition, as previously mentioned, garnets are used as gemstones.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This gives the solver a quite general applicability to the class of problems previously mentioned.

Journal of Computational Physics

For previously mentioned reasons of space, I'm not going to mention any more here.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previously mentioned", ensure the reference is easily identifiable. If there are multiple potential references, be more specific.

Common error

Avoid using "previously mentioned" without a clear reference point. Readers should not have to search to understand what you are referring to. Ensure the context makes the reference immediately apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously mentioned" functions as a transitional phrase, specifically an adverbial phrase that modifies a clause. It refers back to something that was introduced earlier in the text or conversation, creating cohesion. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it connects ideas and avoids repetition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

25%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previously mentioned" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to create cohesion by referencing earlier statements or details. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is widely accepted and commonly used in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While synonyms such as "aforementioned" or "as noted earlier" exist, careful usage is essential to maintain clarity and avoid vagueness. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively employ "previously mentioned" to enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as pointed out earlier

Emphasizes that information was specifically highlighted at an earlier time.

previously stated

Emphasizes the act of stating something earlier, rather than simply mentioning it.

as noted earlier

Highlights that something has been brought to attention or observed before.

previously indicated

Highlights something has been pointed out before.

aforementioned

Implies a more formal or legalistic context than "previously mentioned".

as discussed before

Refers to a topic that has been talked about in the past.

already indicated

Suggests that something has been pointed out or suggested in the past.

earlier mentioned

A slightly less formal and more direct way of indicating something was mentioned before.

previously alluded to

Suggests an indirect reference made earlier, rather than a direct statement.

above mentioned

Refers to something that was mentioned in the text above.

FAQs

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

The phrase "previously mentioned" is used to refer back to something that has already been discussed or stated earlier in a text or conversation. For example: "As "previously mentioned", the budget needs to be approved by Friday".

What are some alternatives to using "previously mentioned"?

Alternatives include "aforementioned", "previously stated", or "as noted earlier". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it okay to use "previously mentioned" multiple times in the same document?

While it's grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Aim for a balance by using synonyms like "previously indicated" or rephrasing to avoid direct reference.

What's the difference between "previously mentioned" and "above mentioned"?

"Previously mentioned" refers to something stated at any point earlier in the text, whereas "above mentioned" specifically refers to something stated directly above the current point in the text. Therefore, "above mentioned" is a specific type of "previously mentioned".