the preceding comment

USAGE SUMMARY

"the preceding comment" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a comment that was made earlier in the text or conversation. For example, "In response to the preceding comment, I would like to add..." Alternative expressions include "the earlier remark" and "the prior statement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The preceding comment by Schuhmann is discussed.

Electrochimica Acta

Taking into account the preceding comment, we show that this is not the situation regarding the Nemytskii-Edelstein fixed point result.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr Bolton's aim with the mention was to echo the preceding comments by New York's legendary Cardinal, Timothy Michael Dolan that fashion and the Catholic Church go back a long and deep way.

The Telegraph

Despite all the preceding comments, there is one unique factor affecting trustworthiness: paradoxically, it's your own willingness to trust.

Forbes

The preceding comments allow a logical framework to be developed which applies expertise and methodologies from models of larval growth to be transferred to plants.

AoB PLANTS

And, well, I consider journalism at home more effective and more important," he says, seemingly contradicting his preceding comment about the ineffectuality of the profession.

The Guardian

When BIG3 is deleted and GNOM rendered BFA-resistant PIN1 does not reach the cell plate but is properly recycled to the basal plasma membrane (see also reply to preceding comment).

eLife

See reply to preceding comment.

eLife

We only pursued particular lines of enquiry about controversial elements – as informed by the literature – if this flowed on from preceding comments of the participant.

BMC Cancer

The following thoughts were expressed within a group e-mail exchange on the post, so some of them refer to preceding comments.

The New York Times

The poem's sections Morning, Noon, Evening, and Night are linked by episodes that either comment on the preceding scene or presage the scene to follow.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the preceding comment", ensure that the comment you are referring to is clearly identifiable to avoid confusion. Provide specific context or reference points if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "the preceding comment" when multiple comments have been made recently. Be specific about which comment you are addressing, possibly by paraphrasing a key phrase or mentioning the speaker.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the preceding comment" functions as a determiner phrase identifying a specific comment that has already been made. As noted by Ludwig, it's used to reference back to a previous statement within a text or conversation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the preceding comment" is a grammatically sound and clear way to refer to a prior statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceptionally frequent, it is valuable in formal contexts like science, news, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and context to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "the earlier remark" or "the prior statement" can serve as alternatives. Remember to be specific when referring back to comments, especially when multiple statements have been made.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the previous remark

Replaces "comment" with "remark", offering a slightly less formal tone.

the prior statement

Substitutes "preceding" with "prior" and "comment" with "statement", emphasizing formality.

the above comment

Uses "above" instead of "preceding", implying the comment is placed physically higher in the text.

the foregoing comment

Replaces "preceding" with "foregoing", which is a more formal synonym.

the earlier comment

Uses "earlier" as a simpler alternative to "preceding".

as previously mentioned

Rephrases the reference as an action, emphasizing that something was already mentioned.

the comment before

A more informal way to refer to the previous comment, suitable for casual contexts.

what was just said

Shifts the focus to the act of speaking, rather than the written form.

the remark made earlier

Combines elements of formality and clarity, specifying that the remark was made at an earlier time.

that last point

Refers to the previous comment more generally as a "point", suitable in conversational settings.

FAQs

How can I use "the preceding comment" in a sentence?

You can use "the preceding comment" to refer to a statement made earlier in a text or conversation. For example, "In response to "the preceding comment", I would like to add more information."

What are some alternatives to "the preceding comment"?

Alternatives include "the previous remark", "the prior statement", or "the earlier comment".

Is it appropriate to use "the preceding comment" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "the preceding comment" is more suited to formal or professional contexts. In informal writing, simpler alternatives like "the comment before" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "the preceding comment" and "the following comment"?

"The preceding comment" refers to a statement that came before, while "the following comment" refers to a statement that will come after. They are opposite in direction.