the previous sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the previous sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to a sentence that was mentioned just before the current one, often for clarification or emphasis. Example: "As stated in the previous sentence, the results of the study were inconclusive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And that includes the previous sentence.

Independent

The previous sentence needs a little explanation.

The New Yorker

Hindsight is the crucial word in the previous sentence.

The New York Times

The previous sentence was a 13-year prison term ordered last year in a Florida case.

The New York Times

There's a certain kind of man who will read the previous sentence and bristle.

The Guardian - Arts

What would happen if I followed the previous sentence with this one, I'll think.

The New Yorker

(In the previous sentence, the predicate is everything except "the predicate," which is the subject).

The New York Times - Magazine

The double negative in the previous sentence might seem confusing, but it is accurate.

The Guardian

(Warning to parents: Do not let your children read the previous sentence).

The New York Times - Arts

The adjective before the word "paragraph" in the previous sentence was chosen for a reason.

The New York Times

They have been doing so in such quiet that the previous sentence may seem startling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the previous sentence", ensure the reference is clear and unambiguous to avoid confusing the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "the previous sentence" when several sentences have been presented without clear separation of ideas, leading to potential misinterpretations. Instead, rephrase or explicitly state the specific sentence being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the previous sentence" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a determiner followed by an adjective and a noun. It serves as a referential expression, pointing back to a specific part of the text. As seen in Ludwig, it is used to draw attention to a previously stated idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the previous sentence" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer to the immediately preceding sentence. Ludwig examples show its frequent use in news, science, and formal writing. To ensure clarity, writers should ensure the reference is unambiguous. Alternatives like "the preceding sentence" or "the earlier sentence" can be used to add variety or emphasize different aspects of the relationship between sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the preceding sentence

Uses a more formal synonym for 'previous'.

the earlier sentence

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of being before.

the sentence above

Focuses on the physical position of the sentence.

the prior statement

Replaces "sentence" with a broader term "statement".

the foregoing sentence

A more formal and less common alternative.

that last sentence

Uses a demonstrative adjective for emphasis.

the sentence in question

Refers to a sentence that is being discussed or analyzed.

the immediately preceding sentence

Adds emphasis on the direct succession.

as mentioned above

Refers to something previously stated, but less direct.

the statement before

A more general way to refer to what was said before.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "the previous sentence" in a sentence?

Use "the previous sentence" to clearly refer back to the sentence immediately before the current one. For example: "The data shows a clear trend. As mentioned in "the previous sentence", this trend is significant."

What are some alternatives to using "the previous sentence"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the preceding sentence", "the earlier sentence", or "the sentence above", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the previous sentence"?

While grammatically correct, it can be incorrect if the reference is unclear. If multiple sentences precede the current one and the intended reference is ambiguous, it's better to rephrase for clarity.

What's the difference between "the previous sentence" and "the above sentence"?

"The previous sentence" emphasizes the temporal order, while "the above sentence" emphasizes the physical placement. Use "the previous sentence" when the sequence is important, and "the above sentence" when the visual arrangement matters.