see above

USAGE SUMMARY

"see above" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to something that has been mentioned or written previously in a document. For example, "I'm having trouble understanding how this works. See above for a description of the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

See above, under "Age".

The Guardian - Music

(See above graphics).

TechCrunch

Why? See above!

Forbes

See above, note 39. 45.

SEP

See above, p143.

University of Chicago

(Update: Added! See above).

TechCrunch

(See above chart).

TechCrunch

(See above screenshot).

TechCrunch

(See above tweet).

TechCrunch

(See above photo).

TechCrunch

(See above video).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the reference is clear and easily locatable for the reader. If the 'above' section is extensive, consider adding a specific section or page number for easier navigation.

Common error

Avoid using "see above" when the referred information is not immediately visible or is too far removed from the current context. This can confuse readers and disrupt their reading flow. In such cases, consider rephrasing the information or providing a more specific pointer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "see above" functions as a directional marker, instructing the reader to refer to information previously presented in the text. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is a valid and frequently used construction for guiding the reader.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "see above" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to direct readers to previously presented information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a directional marker across diverse contexts, including news, academic papers, and encyclopedias. While generally acceptable, more formal writing may benefit from explicit references. The key is to ensure clarity and accessibility for the reader when using this phrase, making it easy for them to locate the relevant content. By avoiding overuse in contexts where the reference is vague or distant, writers can enhance clarity and streamline their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

review the foregoing

A direct and concise way to suggest the reader go back and review the text.

check the foregoing details

Formal and emphasizes checking specific details.

revisit the prior information

Emphasizes the act of going back to consider information again.

refer to the previous section

More formal and explicit, specifying a section rather than a general direction.

refer to the preceding paragraph

Specifies a specific paragraph, rather than a general instruction.

look at the prior explanation

Highlights a previous explanation rather than a general reference.

consult the preceding information

More formal, suggesting a need to check information given before.

as mentioned earlier

Indicates a previous mention but doesn't specify location.

as previously stated

Highlights that something has already been declared.

note what was discussed earlier

Suggests recalling a past discussion.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "see above" in writing?

Use "see above" when you need to refer your reader to information that has already been presented earlier in the text. It's best when the information is relatively close and easily found.

What are some alternatives to using "see above"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "as mentioned earlier", "refer to the previous section", or "consult the preceding information".

Is "see above" considered formal or informal?

"See above" is generally considered acceptable in most writing contexts, but it can lean toward the informal side. For highly formal or academic writing, more explicit phrasing might be preferable.

How can I ensure that using "see above" is clear for the reader?

Make sure the information you're referring to is easily accessible and clearly labeled. If the "above" section is lengthy, consider providing a more specific reference point, such as a section title or page number.