we have previously discussed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we have previously discussed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to make reference to a conversation that has already taken place. For example, "As we have previously discussed, please submit the report by Monday."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Since we have previously discussed the problems with stuff-thing or plural-thing dualisms, we will skip discussion of the difficulties of this dualism as such.

SEP

We have previously discussed these documents.

Harvard University

We have previously discussed Voyager 1 data during the solar inactive period 1995 to 1998.

Advances in Space Research

We have previously discussed VKT.

Journal of Modern Transportation

This outcome agrees with the results that we have previously discussed.

Nanoscale Research Letters

We have previously discussed the (currently unresolved) Rosetta Stone Question for graph algebras.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

We have previously discussed the tendency of the diameter and length to depend on the arsenic flux [3].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Yet we have previously discussed that negative entropy is a nonsensical concept because multiplicity cannot have fractional values.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

However, as we have previously discussed on Trust Me, I'm a Doctor, BMI is not a good measure of someone's body fat.

BBC

As we have previously discussed, technicians have focused on this area, since it represents a 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the index's November low and its January high.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

One was using the scientific learning cycle and a physical example we had previously discussed to illustrate a new, complicated theorem to her classmate.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when choosing between "we have previously discussed" and more informal alternatives like "as we talked about earlier".

Common error

Avoid using "we have previously discussed" if there's a chance your audience wasn't part of the original discussion. Instead, briefly summarize the previous discussion to bring everyone up to speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have previously discussed" functions as a discourse marker. It signals to the reader or listener that the topic at hand is not new and has been addressed before. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have previously discussed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used discourse marker that indicates a prior conversation or agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, leaning slightly towards formal and professional settings. Its main purpose is to provide context, avoid redundancy, and build upon shared understanding. While highly common in science, news, and academic writing, remember to ensure your audience shares the knowledge you're referencing to avoid confusion. When in doubt, briefly recap the previous discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as we mentioned before

Replaces "discussed" with "mentioned", implying a less formal exchange.

as we've already covered

Substitutes "discussed" with "covered", suggesting a thorough examination of the topic.

as we talked about earlier

Uses "talked about" instead of "discussed", indicating a more casual conversation.

as previously addressed

Replaces "discussed" with "addressed", providing a more formal tone.

as we have established

Implies an agreement or conclusion reached in a prior discussion.

returning to a point made earlier

Emphasizes the act of revisiting a previously mentioned idea.

reiterating an earlier point

Highlights the act of repeating a previously made point for emphasis.

to recall a previous exchange

Specifically refers to remembering a past conversation.

going back to something we covered

A less formal way of revisiting a topic that has already been discussed.

as per our previous conversation

Emphasizes that the current topic is a continuation of a prior discussion.

FAQs

What is the function of the phrase "we have previously discussed" in a sentence?

The phrase "we have previously discussed" serves to reference a prior conversation or agreement, providing context for the current topic and avoiding unnecessary repetition.

How can I rephrase "we have previously discussed" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use alternatives such as "as "previously addressed"" or "as "we have established"".

What are some informal alternatives to "we have previously discussed"?

Informal alternatives include "as "we talked about earlier"" or "as "we mentioned before"", which are suitable for casual conversations.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what "we have previously discussed"?

While not always necessary, briefly summarizing the previous discussion can be helpful if there's a chance your audience may not remember or be aware of the prior conversation. This ensures clarity and avoids misunderstandings.