we explained earlier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we explained earlier" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer back to information or details that were previously discussed or mentioned in the text. Example: "As we explained earlier, the project deadline has been moved to next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The analysts assessed weights both directly, as we explained earlier, and indirectly.

Harvard Business Review

We explained earlier in the book that there is overlap between Network Functions Virtualization (NFV and SDNNFV and SDN

Software Defined Networks A Comprehensive Approach

As we explained earlier, user behavior is more relevant as a trust measure than what users report in attitude surveys.

Harvard Business Review

Note that in order to determine g(i) we had to resolve several bifurcations in this structure, as we explained earlier.

Nature

As we explained earlier, TMC is composed of two identical M+ arrays.

Nanoscale Research Letters

As we explained earlier, we conducted two levels in our AIM platform, the intersection level and the network level.

Complex & Intelligent Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

As we explained earlier this week, almost every possible outcome of the current debt talks debacle will most likely be bad for the fragile recovery.

The New York Times

As we explained last year, GNM management intended to outsource the majority of jobs in the IT department to cut costs.

The Guardian

Note: As we explained last week, we'll be publishing a new type of Test Yourself question, one just for English-Language Learners, each Monday morning this school year.

The New York Times

It not only give patients better service, but it put clinics and doctors on its platform, giving it scale that makes it more relevant, appealing and useful for patients, as we explained earlier this year.

TechCrunch

It not only give patients better service, but it put clinics and doctors on its platform, giving it scale that makes it more relevant, appealing and useful for patients, as we explained earlier this year.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we explained earlier" to effectively refer back to information already provided, ensuring clarity and conciseness in your writing. This avoids unnecessary repetition and helps maintain the flow of your text.

Common error

Avoid using "we explained earlier" when the explanation is not clearly or recently provided in the text. Ensure the reference is easily identifiable to prevent confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we explained earlier" functions as a discourse marker, specifically an endophoric marker. It refers back to information already presented within the text. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we explained earlier" is a useful phrase for referencing prior information in a text, serving as an endophoric marker to enhance coherence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it's important to ensure the reference is clear and recent. Though commonly found in news, science, and business contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "as previously stated" for academic settings. The phrase helps avoid redundancy and maintain flow, effectively reminding the reader of key points.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as we previously explained

Replaces "earlier" with "previously", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

as we mentioned before

Substitutes "explained" with "mentioned" and "earlier" with "before", indicating a less detailed explanation.

as discussed previously

Replaces "explained" with "discussed", implying a more conversational context.

as stated earlier

Uses "stated" instead of "explained", suggesting a more formal declaration.

we have already explained

Emphasizes the completion of the explanation using "already".

we clarified earlier

Replaces "explained" with "clarified", suggesting the intention was to make something clearer.

we detailed previously

Substitutes "explained" with "detailed", implying a comprehensive explanation.

earlier we went over

Inverts the sentence structure while keeping the original meaning.

as per our previous explanation

Adds formality by using "as per" and transforms "explained" into a noun phrase.

in our prior explanation

Replaces "earlier" with "prior" and uses a noun phrase for "explanation", making it more formal.

FAQs

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

You can use phrases like "as we previously explained", "as detailed earlier", or "as per our prior explanation" to achieve a more formal tone. Using "previously" or "prior" adds a touch of formality, while specifying that something was "already explained" indicates completion.

Is it acceptable to use "we explained earlier" in academic writing?

Yes, "we explained earlier" is acceptable in academic writing, especially when referring to a concept or methodology already introduced in the same paper. However, ensure the reference is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. More formal alternatives like "as previously discussed" may also be considered.

What's the difference between "we explained earlier" and "we will explain later"?

"We explained earlier" refers to information that has "already been covered" in the text, while "we will explain later" indicates information that will be discussed in a subsequent section. They serve opposite functions in guiding the reader through the document.

What are some less formal alternatives to "we explained earlier"?

Less formal alternatives include phrases like "as we mentioned before", "like we said earlier", or "as discussed earlier". These options are suitable for more conversational or informal contexts, while still providing a clear reference to "previous information".