the above phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the above phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to a phrase or statement that has been mentioned earlier in the text. Example: "As stated in the above phrase, clarity is essential for effective communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But initial concerns that this play's Connie and Tristan might not rise above the shopworn cliché inherent in the above phrase are soon dispelled by the unexpected path forged by Lucy Prebble's play, which lands its newfound couple in the world of pharmaceutical research where desire is not to be trusted.

The New York Times

If Joan Rivers were with us today, she probably would have backed me up and quipped the above phrase when asked if this sentiment about women in the workplace is still alive and well today.

Forbes

You could, if you were so inclined, describe the above phrase as pure Pavlovian poetry, eliciting within us the sensation of being there, in a taxi, alone, watching the rain fall mutely onto the never-ending tarmac sprawl that will eventually end at our house or someone else's.

Vice

One might think that as Tunisians prepare to write their new constitution, the most debated part of the above phrase would be the word 'republic.' In the last few weeks, however, it's become clear that the word 'Islam' is causing a lot more controversy.

Huffington Post

However, the word " expected" in the above phrase could be interpreted that the "same clinical result in any given patient" is not a categorical rule but only an expectation.

European Journal of Health Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Preliminary data gathering consisted of an Internet search for consumer purchase options for green burial clothing, using the search engine by typing terms such as "funeral clothing," "burial clothing," "burial garments," "natural burial clothing," "green burial clothing," including the above phrases with the words "clothes" and "apparel" substituted for "clothing".

Fashion and Textiles

If you asked someone for help, and the person replied with one of the above phrases, how would you feel? "As importantly, what would it say about him or her?" Price says.

HuffPost

Repeat the above phrases and try it again.

WikiHow

Regardless of which of the above phrases you use, listen to the phrase being said by a French speaker and carefully imitate the vowel and consonant sounds, as well as proper inflections and other elements of speech.

WikiHow

In order to identify miRNAs involved in the three phrases (anagen, catagen and telogen) of the hair cycle, three small RNA (sRNA) libraries representing the above three phrases were constructed from a mixed pool of ten adult cashmere goat skin samples.

BMC Genomics

This is clear from the fact that in Figure 2 the letters at the nodes above every phrase other than the phrase A + B (i.e., "poor John," "old Harry," and so on) are different from any of the letters at the ends of the lower branches connected directly to these nodes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the phrase you're referencing with "the above phrase" is clear and immediately precedes the reference to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "the above phrase" when several phrases have been mentioned recently. Specify which phrase you mean or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the above phrase" functions as a referential marker, directing the reader to a previously mentioned sequence of words within the text. Ludwig confirms its usability in referring back to text.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the above phrase" is a commonly used referential phrase that points readers to a previously mentioned statement. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable. Predominantly found in neutral contexts like news and media, science, and wiki articles, it serves to streamline text and avoid repetition. For more formal settings, phrases like "the aforementioned phrase" might be preferred. When using "the above phrase", ensure the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the aforementioned phrase

Formal alternative, implying a more official context.

the preceding phrase

More specific in denoting the immediately previous phrase.

the previous phrase

Neutral alternative to indicate the phrase before the current one.

the earlier phrase

Indicates a phrase mentioned at some earlier point, less immediate.

the specified phrase

Highlights that a particular phrase was explicitly identified.

the stated phrase

Focuses on the fact that the phrase has been formally declared.

the indicated phrase

Emphasizes that the phrase was pointed out or suggested.

the aforementioned statement

Formal and refers to a complete sentence or declaration.

the prior expression

Highlights the expression came before in time or sequence.

the given expression

Implies a phrase provided for consideration or analysis.

FAQs

How do you use "the above phrase" in a sentence?

You use "the above phrase" to refer back to a specific phrase that has already been mentioned earlier in the text. For example: "As demonstrated by "the aforementioned phrase", context is crucial."

What is another way to say "the above phrase"?

Alternatives include "the preceding phrase", "the previous phrase", or "the earlier phrase", which all serve to direct the reader's attention to something previously stated.

Is it acceptable to use "the above phrase" in formal writing?

Yes, "the above phrase" is acceptable in formal writing, although more formal alternatives such as "the aforementioned phrase" might be preferred in certain contexts to ensure a professional tone.

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

"The above phrase" refers to something already stated, while "the following phrase" introduces something that will be stated next. They indicate opposite directions in the text.