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
the above equation
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase 'the above equation' is correct and usable in written English.
You might use this phrase when referring to an equation written previously in a document. For example, "Solving the above equation gives us the solution x = 4."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
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
60 human-written examples
The above equation holds because.
According to the above equation, x = 7.
The above equation is valid because and.
The above equation is rewritten as (6.1).
Science
Solving the above equation, we obtain (36).
The above equation is valid because (5).
The above equation ensures the system stability.
Now, we prove the above equation.
We substitute into the above equation.
The above equation presents a focused image.
The result follows from the above equation.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "the above equation", ensure there's no ambiguity about which equation you're referencing. Numbering equations can greatly improve clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "the above equation" if several equations appear on the same page. Always provide a specific identifier or equation number to prevent confusion.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "the above equation" functions as a referential expression, specifically an anaphoric reference. It points back to a previously mentioned equation, allowing for concise communication without repeating the equation itself. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is suitable for use in written English.
Frequent in
Science
100%
Less common in
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "the above equation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in scientific and technical writing. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable for use. It serves to reference a previously mentioned equation, promoting conciseness and clarity. To ensure clear communication, it's crucial to use it when there's no ambiguity about the equation being referenced, and numbering equations can enhance this clarity. Alternatives like "the preceding equation" or "the previous equation" offer similar functionality. The main usage contexts are scientific publications.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
the preceding equation
Replaces "above" with "preceding" offering a slightly more formal tone but maintains the same core meaning of referring to the equation mentioned before.
the previous equation
Substitutes "above" with "previous", providing a simpler and equally common way to indicate the equation immediately before the current one.
the equation above
Inverts the phrase while retaining the meaning; less common but still understandable.
the aforementioned equation
Replaces "above" with "aforementioned" indicating a more formal and emphatic reference to an equation already discussed.
the equation mentioned above
Adds "mentioned" for emphasis, clarifying that the equation has been specifically referenced earlier.
the equation discussed above
Similar to "mentioned above", but specifies that the equation was part of a discussion.
equation (number)
Uses the equation number as a direct reference, assuming equations are numbered within the document.
the formula above
Substitutes "equation" with "formula" assuming the context involves mathematical formulas.
the relation above
Substitutes "equation" with "relation" assuming the context involves mathematical relations.
the expression above
Replaces "equation" with "expression" if referring to a more general mathematical expression rather than a strict equation.
FAQs
How can I use "the above equation" in a sentence?
You can use "the above equation" to refer to an equation that has already been presented in a document or text, as in "Solving "the above equation" gives us the value of x."
What is an alternative to "the above equation"?
Alternatives include "the preceding equation", "the previous equation", or referring to the equation by its number, such as "Equation (1)".
Is it better to say "the above equation" or "the previous equation"?
Both phrases are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific context, but "the previous equation" might be slightly clearer if the equation is immediately before the current statement.
When should I avoid using "the above equation"?
Avoid using "the above equation" when multiple equations are present on the same page or when the referenced equation is far removed from the current text, as this can lead to confusion. In such cases, use a specific identifier such as the equation number.
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
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested