the above

USAGE SUMMARY

"the above" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is generally used to refer to something that was mentioned just before it. For example: "I will be attending the meeting. The above applies to me as well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many of the above?

The New York Times

Yes, all the above.

The New York Times - Books

Related to the above.

The New Yorker

Thus, the above experiment.

The Economist

None of the above?

The New York Times

Some of the above?

The New York Times - Sports

Answer: all of the above.

Independent

Reps there confirmed the above.

The New York Times

(e) All of the above.

The New Yorker

No, none of the above!

The New York Times

D. All of the above.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the above" to refer to something specific and clearly identifiable to avoid ambiguity. Make sure the reader can easily locate the information you are referencing.

Common error

Avoid using "the above" when the reference is unclear or too distant. If the referenced information is several paragraphs away, it's better to restate it or use a more specific reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the above" functions as a determiner followed by a noun (implied). It serves as a referential expression, pointing back to information previously presented in the text. Ludwig confirms that it's a correct and usable part of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

22%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the above" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to reference previously mentioned information. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its widespread use in news and media, as well as in wiki and encyclopedic contexts. The phrase contributes to writing efficiency by avoiding repetition. While generally acceptable, it's crucial to ensure the reference is clear to the reader. Alternatives like "the aforementioned" or "the preceding" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the aforementioned

Replaces "above" with a more formal term indicating previous mention.

the preceding

Focuses on the temporal aspect, referring to what came just before.

the foregoing

Similar to "preceding" but often used in legal or formal contexts.

what was stated earlier

Rephrases the reference as a statement of prior communication.

as previously mentioned

Emphasizes the act of mentioning something before.

the prior information

Highlights the information itself as being presented earlier.

the details above

Specifies "details" as the content being referenced.

the previously discussed

Refers to a prior discussion rather than just a mention.

what's already been covered

Informal phrasing emphasizing the completeness of the prior material.

the items listed before

Refers specifically to a list of items presented earlier.

FAQs

How can I use "the above" in a sentence?

Use "the above" to refer to something that you have already mentioned in the text. For example, "I have listed three reasons; /s/the+above/ apply to this situation."

What phrases are similar to "the above"?

Similar phrases include "the aforementioned", "the preceding", or "the foregoing". The best choice depends on the context and formality of your writing.

Is it acceptable to start a sentence with "the above"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "the above" can sometimes sound awkward. It's often better to rephrase the sentence for better flow. For example, instead of "The above is true", you could say "As stated above, this is true."

When should I avoid using "the above" in my writing?

Avoid using "the above" if the reference is unclear or ambiguous. If the information you are referring to is far from the current sentence, consider restating the information or using a more specific reference.