the above item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the above item" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that has been mentioned or listed earlier in the text. Example: "Please review the above item before making your final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Note: The above (item c-ii) may be revised in accordance with relevant agreements to be reached in the Multilateral Working Group on Arms Control and Regional Security.

Yale University

I order the above item.

TechCrunch

(iii) The result follows from (2.6) and the above item.  .

Advances in Difference Equations

The result follows from (2.6) and the above item.

Advances in Difference Equations

(2) It holds by the above item (1).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Read a transcript of the full show which includes the above item.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It turns out to have swung, on one of the above items, in a different direction entirely.

The Guardian - Opinion

The GRIPS team is confident the above items are the backbones of a very successful PhD experience at the Space Sciences Laboratory.

University of California, Berkeley

Although, so many remarkable results in the above items have been obtained recently, no concluding results have so far been finalized.

Composites Part B: Engineering

But MGH/Partners does which would put you inside the MGH firewall to handle all the above items.

Harvard University

The GL Mass Allocation processes for Endowments and Student Loans are run at month-end as they depend on the above items to be done first.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the above item", ensure the item being referenced is clear and unambiguous to avoid confusion. If there are multiple items, consider using specific identifiers (e.g., "item 3 above") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the above item" when the item being referenced is not immediately clear or easily located. This can force readers to search for the intended reference, disrupting their reading experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the above item" serves as a referential expression, pointing back to a specific element previously introduced within a text or list. Ludwig confirms its correct usage for referring to prior mentions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the above item" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase for referencing previously mentioned elements in writing. As confirmed by Ludwig, it helps writers create clarity and coherence across diverse contexts, especially in science, news, and academic materials. It is best to ensure that the item being referred to is clearly defined and accessible to the reader. Alternatives include "the aforementioned item" and "the previously mentioned item".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the item above

A simple inversion of the original phrase with no semantic difference.

the aforementioned item

Replaces "above" with a more formal synonym, indicating something previously mentioned.

the earlier item

Simple and direct way to indicate something from earlier.

the preceding item

Highlights that the item immediately precedes the current point.

the previously mentioned item

Specifies that the item was mentioned earlier.

the prior item

Indicates that the item came before.

the foregoing item

Uses a more formal and legalistic term for 'previous'.

the item in question

Emphasizes that the item is currently under discussion.

the specified item

Implies that the item has been specifically identified.

that particular item

Adds emphasis on a specific item.

FAQs

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

Use "the above item" to refer to something previously mentioned in the text. For example, "Please review "the above item" for further details".

What are some alternatives to "the above item"?

Alternatives include "the aforementioned item", "the previously mentioned item", or "the item above". Choose the option that best suits the context and formality of your writing.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "the above item"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "the above item" might sound awkward. Consider rephrasing the sentence to improve flow. For example, instead of saying "The above item is important", you could say "It's important to consider "the aforementioned item"".

What's the difference between "the above item" and "the following item"?

"The above item" refers to something already mentioned, while "the following item" introduces something that will be mentioned next. Therefore, they cannot be used interchangeably.