we characterized earlier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we characterized earlier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring back to a description or analysis that was provided previously in the text. Example: "In our previous section, we characterized earlier the main features of the study's methodology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

We characterized early and late wound healing events through genome-wide microarray analysis, quantitative PCR, and in situ hybridization to identify potential wound healing targets.

BMC Biology

As a first step toward understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie skeletal reduction and morphological change in this group, we characterized early craniofacial development in a true pelagic species, P. antarcticum (family Nototheniidae), and a benthopelagic species, C. aceratus (family Channichthyidae).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

We have characterized earlier the long-term behavioural, electroencephalographic and histopatologic features after a single TsTx microinjection, consisting of a neuropeptide isolated from the Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom, into the hippocampus of rats.

Brain Research Bulletin

The American Red Cross solicited money for the Sept. 11 attacks with what critics say were misleading statements, a problem that characterized earlier disasters.

The New York Times

How easy it would have been for me and my contemporaries to continue the backstairs bundling and fondling and frottage that characterized earlier times.

The New Yorker

And because of the unpopularity of the war, military service was disdained by many members of the nation's elite, leading their children to lose the propensity to serve that had characterized earlier generations of America's privileged.

The New York Times

The Opn4−/− mice used in this study were generated in 129S background and characterized earlier [15].

Plosone

The CA IV, CA IX and CA XIV ko mice have been characterized earlier [26], [27].

Plosone

mAbs CUB7402 and TG100 against tTG were from LabVision/Neomarkers. mAb 4G3 against human tTG was characterized earlier [21].

Plosone

Glioma U251 cells stably transfected with α1-anti-trypsin variant Portland (a potent inhibitor of furin; PDX) were constructed and characterized earlier (U251/PDX cells) [35], [36].

Plosone

Mice were infected with either virulent M. avium strain 724R characterized earlier [36], or standard virulent M. tuberculosis strain H37RV (sub-strain Pasteur).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we characterized earlier", ensure that the earlier characterization is explicitly referenced or easily accessible within the text. This provides context and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "we characterized earlier" without providing a clear reference to where the characterization was previously presented. Readers may not remember specific details from earlier sections, leading to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we characterized earlier" functions as a transitional phrase in academic and scientific writing. It signals a reference to a description or analysis that has already been provided, contributing to the logical flow and coherence of the text. Based on Ludwig AI's analysis, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we characterized earlier" serves as a grammatically sound and useful transitional phrase, particularly within formal and scientific writing. It allows writers to reference prior descriptions or analyses, enhancing the flow and coherence of their work. While recognized as correct by Ludwig AI, its frequency appears limited due to specific contextual applications. When employing this phrase, ensure clear references to the prior characterization to avoid any potential reader confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we previously described

Replaces "characterized earlier" with a more direct term for description and uses "previously" instead of "earlier".

we have described before

Uses a perfect tense construction with "before" to indicate prior description.

we outlined previously

Substitutes "characterized" with "outlined", implying a summary or overview was provided.

we analyzed in the past

Focuses on analysis rather than characterization, indicating a prior analytical process.

earlier we detailed

Inverts the sentence structure, placing "earlier" at the beginning for emphasis, and uses "detailed" in place of "characterized".

we presented earlier

Suggests a formal presentation of the characterization at a prior time.

as we characterized before

Adds "as" to create a dependent clause, emphasizing the previous characterization as context.

the prior characterization we made

Transforms the phrase into a noun phrase, highlighting the characterization itself.

we had characterized

Employs the past perfect tense to emphasize the completion of the characterization before a subsequent event.

our prior characterization indicated

Shifts the focus to the results of the prior characterization, using it as evidence or support.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we characterized earlier" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "we previously described", "we have delineated before", or "as we have characterized previously". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to reference the "earlier" characterization when using "we characterized earlier"?

While not always grammatically required, it's best practice to provide a clear reference (e.g., "as discussed in Section 2") to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. This helps the reader easily locate the prior characterization.

What's the difference between "we characterized earlier" and "we characterized previously"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Earlier" refers to a point further back in the text or time, while "previously" emphasizes that the action occurred at some unspecified time in the past before the current context. The choice is often a matter of stylistic preference.

Can I use "we characterized earlier" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "we characterized earlier" tends to be more suited for formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "we described before" or "we mentioned earlier" might be more appropriate.