Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
reference to the above
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'reference to the above' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when making a reference to something that has already been mentioned or discussed in a previous sentence or paragraph. For example, "We agree with the conclusions reached in the previous paragraph; please refer to the above for details."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(13)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
9 human-written examples
The affidavit, obtained by the Guardian, reads: "On 5-8-14 an investigation began in the Sex Crimes Unit in reference to the above named defendant, an Oklahoma City Police Officer, sexually assaulting different women".
News & Media
We classified our materials with reference to the above categories following the principles of content analysis to come up with the scenario storylines.
With reference to the above mentioned coordinates the solar radiation data taken from [16] for HOMER® is as shown in Table 3 and Fig. 5.
With reference to the above reactions, additional hydroxyl (OH−) ions are further obtained via the chemical reaction of HMTA with water, as shown below [6, 7].
Science
With reference to the above studies and previous research, this short paper demonstrates that when C2H4 decomposition takes place at 473 K, its dissociative adsorption leads to the formation of hydrocarbon CH x species on the Ir surfaces.
In reference to the above mentioned, psychoanalysis, concretely the Freudian theory, departs from the dualist body-mind concept and introduces a field for which the body and affections cannot be considered separately but in close conformation.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
51 human-written examples
In his thousand-page memoir there is no reference to the above-mentioned radical deregulation of the economy that he presided over.
News & Media
(Also see the letter by Retsky et al [ 30] in reference to the above-mentioned paper by Norton).
Science
With reference to the above-mentioned classifications, calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) may be considered a synthetic and long-lasting/semipermanent dermal filler.
With regard to experience, Vasubandhu simply makes reference to the argument above in which the subject/object relation was described in a causal line, with the object causing a consciousness to take on the "shape" or appearance of an object.
Science
With reference to the correlations above, this study addresses the following question: What challenges concerning daily mobility do low-income earners face after relocation in a supply-dominated housing market?
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "reference to the above" to clearly direct the reader's attention to specific information already presented, avoiding ambiguity.
Common error
Ensure that the "above" is immediately clear; avoid using the phrase if the referenced content is several paragraphs or pages away. Instead, specify the section or heading.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "reference to the above" acts as a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial modifier. It directs the reader to consult previously mentioned information within a text. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and acceptability.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
33%
Academia
17%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "reference to the above" is a grammatically correct and accepted phrase used to direct readers to previously mentioned information, according to Ludwig. It is most commonly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While not extremely common, it serves an important function in maintaining clarity and avoiding redundancy in formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the reference is clear and unambiguous, and consider alternatives like "regarding the aforementioned" for variety.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
referring to the above
More direct synonym
regarding the aforementioned
Formal and emphasizes prior mention.
in connection with the above
Highlights a link or association.
concerning the foregoing
More formal and literary.
with respect to the preceding
Formal and highlights order.
considering the points above
Focuses on the points or arguments.
in relation to what was stated earlier
More descriptive and less concise.
as noted earlier
Highlights the act of noting something.
as previously discussed
Emphasizes the discussion aspect.
pursuant to the prior
Formal and legalistic.
FAQs
How to use "reference to the above" in a sentence?
The phrase "reference to the above" is used to direct the reader back to information previously mentioned in the text. For example, "The methodology was detailed in section 2.1; for further information, see "reference to the above"."
What can I say instead of "reference to the above"?
You can use alternatives like "regarding the aforementioned", "concerning the foregoing", or "as previously discussed", depending on the context.
Is it appropriate to use "reference to the above" in formal writing?
Yes, "reference to the above" is generally appropriate for formal writing, particularly in academic and professional contexts. However, ensure clarity by placing the reference close to the mentioned content.
What's the difference between "reference to the above" and "see above"?
"Reference to the above" is more formal and often used when pointing to specific details, while "see above" is a more casual direction to review prior content. Both phrases serve to guide the reader, but formality differs.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested