the above paragraph

USAGE SUMMARY

"the above paragraph" is correct and can be used in written English.
In a written document, it can be used to refer to the paragraph that has gone before it. For example: The above paragraph explains the consequences of not adhering to the regulations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately, the above paragraph is complete rubbish.

The Guardian - Business

Doesn't the above paragraph also describe Trump?

The Washington Post

Well done, everyone in the above paragraph.

The Guardian - Sport

("I've just re-read the above paragraph. It is disgusting").

The Guardian - Books

Then the DDS is realized from the procedures described in the above paragraph.

Cornell University

Try it yourself and replace Axcelis in the above paragraph with Yahoo or another company with a similar voting policy.

The New York Times

Well, in that case, when his absence becomes official in a few days, just re-read the above paragraph.

The Guardian - Sport

Such focus ends up improving a nation's longer-run prospects.There are a few claims in the above paragraph.

The Economist

In the above paragraph, we could replace the word galaxy with the word organism and still be reasonably correct.

Harvard University

In 1941, when George Orwell wrote the passage of which the above paragraph is an only lightly altered pastiche, Britain was indisputably at war with Germany.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't know how much of the above paragraph - apart from Clarke's words, which I saw coming out of her mouth - is true.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the above paragraph", ensure the reference is clear and unambiguous, especially in long documents. Avoid using it when the referenced paragraph is several pages away.

Common error

Avoid using "the above paragraph" if the paragraph it refers to is not immediately preceding or is separated by figures, tables, or other content that could cause confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the above paragraph" functions as a deictic expression, specifically an anaphoric reference, pointing back to a previously mentioned paragraph within a text. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is considered grammatically correct and acceptable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the above paragraph" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to refer to a preceding paragraph in written text. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and acceptability. Its primary function is to enhance cohesion and avoid repetition, making it a valuable tool in various writing contexts. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, its usage is generally neutral and appropriate for a wide range of audiences. When using this phrase, ensure the reference is clear to maintain readability and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the paragraph above

Changes the word order slightly, maintaining the same meaning.

the preceding paragraph

Replaces 'above' with 'preceding', emphasizing the sequential order.

the previous paragraph

Uses 'previous' instead of 'above', a common synonym in this context.

the prior paragraph

Substitutes 'above' with 'prior', a slightly more formal synonym.

the aforementioned paragraph

Replaces 'above' with 'aforementioned', adding a slightly more formal tone.

the earlier paragraph

Uses 'earlier' to indicate a paragraph that appeared before.

the foregoing paragraph

Uses 'foregoing' instead of 'above', providing a formal tone.

the text above

Broadens the reference from a paragraph to any text above.

the segment above

Refers to a section or segment rather than specifically a paragraph.

as mentioned above

Shifts from referring to a paragraph to referencing a previous mention.

FAQs

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

You can use "the above paragraph" to refer to a section of text that precedes the current one. For example, "As mentioned in the above paragraph, further research is needed."

What are some alternatives to "the above paragraph"?

Some alternatives include "the preceding paragraph", "the previous paragraph", or "as mentioned above" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the above paragraphs" when referring to multiple preceding paragraphs?

Yes, if you are referring to more than one paragraph, you should use the plural form: "the above paragraphs".

What is the difference between "the above paragraph" and "the following paragraph"?

"The above paragraph" refers to a paragraph that has already appeared, while "the following paragraph" refers to a paragraph that is yet to come. You can use "the following paragraph" to anticipate the content that will be discussed further.