the preceding text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the preceding text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to text that has been mentioned or presented earlier in a document or conversation. Example: "Please review the preceding text to understand the context of the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

In this function, they are often used to qualify a user's attitude toward the preceding text, providing a meta-commentary on its content.

Journal of Pragmatics

The experimental Tg values encompass the combined effect of the two water-resin interaction mechanisms described briefly in the preceding text and in detail in Part I of this paper series.

Polymer

The reference to the preceding text is part of the way in which the teachers produce a richer and more cohesive discourse than the other adults.

Functional Linguistics

In the treatise, On the Nature of Places, which is a continuation of On Lines, Angles and Figures, Grosseteste sums up the preceding text with the remark that "the diligent investigator of natural phenomena can give the causes of all natural effects, therefore, in this way by the rules and roots and foundations given from the power of geometry" (Baur 1912, 65).

SEP

For all analyses, except where noted in the preceding text, the predictor variables were factors rather than continuous variables.

Plosone

The ML bootstrap analyses (500 replicates) were constructed as in the model and settings described in the preceding text.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

They bring the hallucinatory effects of the preceding texts, images and environments into the open.

The New York Times - Arts

And prosecutors contended that, in light of the long preceding text message conversation, the ping of the incoming message distracted her so that she did not notice Ms. McBryde's disabled car.

The New York Times - Tech

A text unit refers to a meaningful text segment, which is often but not necessarily separated from the preceding and successive text segments with blank spaces or other palaeographical devices (title, rubrications, large initials, etc).

Heritage Science

EU leaders insist that the preceding passage in the text calling for ambitious counter-pledges from other states indicates that the 40% greenhouse gas cut may only get added to.

The Guardian

The view that pleasure is not a conscious experience had become fairly standard in psychology classrooms and literature during the increasingly behaviorist 1920s, '30s, and '40s, in the wake of the collapse of the introspectionist project described in the preceding paragraph of the text.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the preceding text", ensure the reference is clear and unambiguous to avoid confusing the reader. Be specific if there are multiple sections of text that could be interpreted as 'preceding'.

Common error

Avoid using "the preceding text" when the referred section is not immediately obvious or is too far away from the current sentence. Instead, use a more specific reference, such as 'as discussed in Section 2.1' or 'refer to the introduction'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the preceding text" functions as a referential expression, directing the reader's attention to a previously mentioned section of text. It contributes to the cohesion and flow of the writing by linking different parts of the text, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the preceding text" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to reference earlier sections of a document or conversation. As Ludwig confirms, it's primarily found in scientific and academic writing, where clarity and conciseness are valued. While perfectly acceptable, writers should ensure the reference is unambiguous and consider alternatives like "the earlier text" or "the previous text" for enhanced clarity. Avoiding vague references and being specific about the referenced material will contribute to a more effective and reader-friendly writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the earlier text

Refers to text that appeared previously, similar to "the preceding text".

the previous text

Another direct synonym for "the preceding text", emphasizing the temporal order.

the prior text

A slightly more formal alternative indicating the text that came before.

the foregoing text

A more formal synonym suitable for academic or legal writing.

the above text

Commonly used when the referenced text is physically located above the current point.

the text above

Similar to "the above text", but with a slightly different word order.

what was written earlier

A less formal way of referring to previously written content.

the material above

More general and refers to 'material' instead of 'text'.

the text mentioned previously

Explicitly indicates that the text has been referenced before.

as previously stated

Focuses on the act of stating something rather than the text itself.

FAQs

What does "the preceding text" mean?

The phrase "the preceding text" refers to the section of writing that comes immediately before the current point in a document or conversation. It's used to reference something already mentioned.

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

You might use "the preceding text" like this: "As discussed in the preceding text, further research is needed." This directs the reader to review the information already presented.

What are some alternatives to "the preceding text"?

Alternatives include "the earlier text", "the previous text", or "the prior text", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it okay to use "the preceding text" in formal writing?

Yes, "the preceding text" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly in academic and scientific contexts. However, ensure that the reference is clear and unambiguous. Using alternatives can help improve clarity as well.