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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we have previously
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"we have previously" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has already been mentioned or known about. For example: "We have previously discussed the benefits of this plan. Now let's move on to the next step."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
But we have previously undertaken one Alpine trek together.
News & Media
We have previously reported [J.
We have previously discussed VKT.
We have previously reviewed this topic.
Science
We have previously showed that Lymphotoxin?
Science
As we have previously seen, for every,.
Science
We have previously found interactions between vitamin A and vaccines.
Science
We have previously reported [J. Comput. Aided Mol.
We have previously identified >2000 rhythmically expressed An. gambiae genes.
Science
We have previously identified a series of phenoxyacetic acid derivatives.
We have previously reported two cases of laminolysis [6].
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "we have previously" to refer back to specific information or arguments that you've already presented to maintain clarity and avoid redundancy. For example, "We have previously established the correlation between these variables; therefore, we will now focus on causation."
Common error
Avoid using "we have previously" as a generic filler. Ensure that you clearly indicate what you are referring back to. For example, instead of saying "We have previously discussed this", specify "We have previously discussed the limitations of the current methodology in Section 2."
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "we have previously" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, indicating that an action or statement has occurred or been made at an earlier time. Ludwig shows many examples of this construction being used to refer to prior research or discussions.
Frequent in
Science
88%
News & Media
7%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "we have previously" is a versatile phrase used to reference prior information, primarily in formal and scientific writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. The phrase's main goal is to provide context and prevent redundancy. While it's acceptable to use in formal and academic contexts, remember to avoid overuse and ensure clarity regarding what you are referencing. Consider alternatives like "we have already" or "as we have seen" for slight variations in tone and emphasis. With these tips, you'll be able to use the phrase effectively and enhance the clarity of your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
we have already
This alternative uses "already" instead of "previously", indicating that something has happened before.
we have formerly
Replaces "previously" with "formerly", suggesting a prior state or condition.
we have earlier
Substitutes "previously" with "earlier", implying something happened at an earlier point in time.
we have hitherto
Uses "hitherto" instead of "previously", suggesting up to this point or time.
we have originally
Replaces "previously" with "originally", indicating the initial state or occurrence.
as we have seen
Indicates that something has been observed or understood before, shifting the focus slightly from a past action to a past observation.
we discussed earlier
Focuses on a specific act of discussion, making it clear that the topic was addressed in a prior conversation or piece of writing.
we mentioned before
Highlights a prior mention of something, emphasizing that it was brought up in the past.
it was previously stated
Changes the voice to passive and emphasizes the fact that something was stated at an earlier time.
this was established earlier
Emphasizes that something was proven or made certain at an earlier time, switching to a passive voice.
FAQs
What is the best way to use "we have previously" in a sentence?
Use "we have previously" to refer back to information, arguments, or findings that you have already presented in the same document or context. This ensures clarity and avoids unnecessary repetition. For example, "We have previously shown that X impacts Y; therefore, we can assume..."
What are some alternatives to the phrase "we have previously"?
Alternatives include phrases such as "we have already", "as we have seen", or "earlier we discussed", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.
Is it appropriate to use "we have previously" in informal writing?
While grammatically correct, "we have previously" leans toward formal writing. In informal contexts, consider more casual alternatives like "as we said before" or "like we talked about earlier."
How can I ensure I'm using "we have previously" correctly?
Always ensure there's a clear reference point for what you've previously mentioned. If the reader can't easily identify what you're referring to, rephrase for better clarity or explicitly state the previous reference.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested