the preceding paragraph

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the preceding paragraph" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a paragraph that comes before the current one in a text, often to clarify or emphasize a point made earlier. Example: "As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the results of the study indicate a significant correlation between the variables."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Already, in the preceding paragraph, mention has begun of arts other than literature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The distinctions I offer in the preceding paragraph are intended solely as examples.

Columbia University

The history of this legislation is adequately stated in the opinions to which reference is made in the preceding paragraph.

Cornell University

Where such an approval request is bundled with other requests, however, the rubric described in the preceding paragraph will apply.

Harvard University

Newton originally applied the idea of attractions and repulsions solely to the range of terrestrial phenomena mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

Britannica

My reading of Reinhart-Rogoff, Herndon-Ash-Pollin, and the other papers linked to in the preceding paragraph is that rising debt loads do weigh on growth.

Harvard Business Review

I stare in wonder at the preceding paragraph as I realize again that a clear idea from John Irving's novel made it intact into Lasse Hallstrom's film.

The New York Times

Still, given that possession, transfer or sale of cluster munitions are banned in scores of nations by international convention, the questions in the preceding paragraph begged answers.

The New York Times

A Markov process with stationary transition probabilities may or may not be a stationary process in the sense of the preceding paragraph.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Taxpayers described in the preceding paragraph face a dilemma.

Forbes

The -$2 in the preceding paragraph goes into a storage tank and becomes useful later.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the preceding paragraph" to ensure clarity when referring to a specific block of text already presented. This helps maintain logical flow and prevents reader confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "the preceding paragraph" if there's ambiguity about which paragraph you're referencing. If intervening content could confuse the reader, be more explicit about the paragraph's subject or include a direct citation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the preceding paragraph" functions as a directional phrase, specifically as an anaphoric reference. It points the reader to a previously mentioned paragraph, creating cohesion and streamlining the flow of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used to connect ideas across paragraphs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the preceding paragraph" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase for referring back to earlier content. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and common usage. It is most prevalent in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts, serving to provide context and streamline writing. For variety, consider using alternatives like "the previous paragraph" or "the above paragraph". When using it, ensure that the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity for your readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the previous paragraph

Replaces "preceding" with "previous", a direct synonym with very similar meaning.

the prior paragraph

Substitutes "preceding" with "prior", another synonym indicating something that came before.

the above paragraph

Uses "above" to indicate the paragraph located directly upwards in the text.

the foregoing paragraph

Employs "foregoing" as a formal synonym for "preceding".

the earlier paragraph

Replaces "preceding" with "earlier", emphasizing the temporal aspect of sequence.

the last paragraph

Identifies the referenced paragraph as the most recent one before the current point.

the paragraph above

Specifies the location of the paragraph using a spatial term.

the paragraph in question

Refers to a specific paragraph that is under discussion or scrutiny.

as mentioned above

Focuses on the act of mentioning something earlier in the text, rather than the paragraph itself.

refer to the paragraph above

Uses a verb to indicate the act of referencing a specific paragraph.

FAQs

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

Use "the preceding paragraph" to refer back to information or arguments made in the immediately previous paragraph. For example: "The methodology was detailed in the preceding paragraph; this section will focus on the results."

What's a simpler way to say "the preceding paragraph"?

You can use "the previous paragraph" or "the above paragraph" as more straightforward alternatives.

Is it ever wrong to use "the preceding paragraph"?

It's best to avoid "the preceding paragraph" if multiple paragraphs discuss the same topic, as it may cause confusion. In such cases, provide more specific context or refer to the section title instead.

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

"The preceding paragraph" refers to a paragraph that has already appeared in the text, while "the following paragraph" refers to a paragraph that will appear next. One looks backward, and the other looks forward.