In professional writing—whether you’re drafting reports, emails, or academic documents—the phrase “as previously mentioned” is widely used to reference information already shared. But relying on it too often can make your writing feel repetitive, stiff, or overly formal.
Modern professional communication calls for alternatives that sound clear, confident, and natural—without losing authority.
This guide provides 40+ formal, polished, and versatile replacements for “as previously mentioned,” each with examples and usage notes so you can incorporate them effortlessly.
Let’s refine your writing.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use these expressions when you need to:
- Refer back to information already shared
- Highlight earlier points in a report, proposal, or briefing
- Maintain a formal or academic tone
- Avoid repetition in professional communication
- Ensure clarity and polished flow in written correspondence
Different phrases fit different situations—some are more formal, some more reader-friendly. Choose the one that best matches your tone and audience.
Professional Alternatives to “As Previously Mentioned”
Below are advanced, professional, and natural-sounding alternatives—each with a definition, example, and explanation.
1. As noted earlier
Meaning: Refers back to a point mentioned earlier in the text.
Example: As noted earlier, the new policy will take effect on Monday.
Why it works: Clear, concise, and widely accepted in professional writing.
2. As stated earlier
Meaning: Highlights information already expressed.
Example: As stated earlier, all deliverables must be submitted by Friday.
Why it works: Strong and authoritative tone.
3. As mentioned above
Meaning: Points to text covered earlier in the document.
Example: As mentioned above, the updated requirements are mandatory for all teams.
Why it works: Direct and easy to understand.
4. As previously stated
Meaning: Reemphasizes a prior statement.
Example: As previously stated, the project will enter phase two next week.
Why it works: Formal and suitable for reports or academic writing.
5. As highlighted earlier
Meaning: Refers to something emphasized earlier.
Example: As highlighted earlier, data integrity is a top priority.
Why it works: Adds emphasis without sounding repetitive.
6. As discussed earlier
Meaning: Points to earlier discussion or explanation.
Example: As discussed earlier, we will proceed with the revised strategy.
Why it works: Works well for team communication and reports.
7. As outlined above
Meaning: Refers to a previously detailed explanation.
Example: As outlined above, the implementation process requires three steps.
Why it works: Great for structured documents or proposals.
8. As referenced earlier
Meaning: Points to earlier references, citations, or statements.
Example: As referenced earlier, customer engagement has increased significantly.
Why it works: Academic, credible, and formal.
9. As indicated earlier
Meaning: Cites earlier signals or indicators.
Example: As indicated earlier, the budget projection remains unchanged.
Why it works: Professional and neutral in tone.
10. As previously noted
Meaning: Reinforces information already noted.
Example: As previously noted, we will need additional resources for completion.
Why it works: Smooth and polished.
11. As mentioned earlier in this document
Meaning: Clarifies the reference point for the reader.
Example: As mentioned earlier in this document, training will begin next week.
Why it works: Enhances clarity in long documents.
12. As we discussed earlier
Meaning: Recaps earlier conversations or meetings.
Example: As we discussed earlier, the client requires the update by Thursday.
Why it works: Friendly yet professional.
13. As detailed earlier
Meaning: Points back to a previously detailed explanation.
Example: As detailed earlier, the system upgrade includes three major enhancements.
Why it works: Simple and formal.
14. As explained above
Meaning: Refers to a prior explanation.
Example: As explained above, the approval process has changed.
Why it works: Common and easy to understand.
15. As stated in the earlier section
Meaning: Directs the reader to a specific part of the text.
Example: As stated in the earlier section, participation is mandatory.
Why it works: Great for structured and segmented documents.
16. As mentioned in the previous section
Meaning: Points clearly to content in the preceding section.
Example: As mentioned in the previous section, this measure improves accuracy.
Why it works: Very precise and professional.
17. As noted in the introduction
Meaning: Refers back to intro material.
Example: As noted in the introduction, our focus remains on scalability.
Why it works: Maintains structured flow.
18. As addressed earlier
Meaning: Refers to previously handled topics or issues.
Example: As addressed earlier, the compliance checks are ongoing.
Why it works: Polished and formal.
19. As previously referenced
Meaning: Indicates that the topic has already been referenced.
Example: As previously referenced, this initiative supports long-term growth.
Why it works: Works well in academic and technical writing.
20. As mentioned previously
Meaning: A smoother, more modern version of the original phrase.
Example: As mentioned previously, the update will occur overnight.
Why it works: Simple, formal, and widely accepted.
21. As outlined in the earlier discussion
Meaning: Points to earlier conversation or analysis.
Example: As outlined in the earlier discussion, the policy has three main components.
Why it works: Ideal for meeting summaries.
22. As we noted previously
Meaning: A softer way to revisit earlier points.
Example: As we noted previously, testing will begin on Friday.
Why it works: Collaborative and professional.
23. As mentioned at the beginning
Meaning: Refers to the initial part of the document.
Example: As mentioned at the beginning, the deadline remains unchanged.
Why it works: Helps guide readers in longer texts.
24. As explained in our earlier correspondence
Meaning: Refers to previous emails or communication.
Example: As explained in our earlier correspondence, the terms remain the same.
Why it works: Excellent for client and external communication.
25. As clarified earlier
Meaning: Points to an earlier clarification.
Example: As clarified earlier, login access is limited to authorized personnel.
Why it works: Strong and precise.
26. As pointed out earlier
Meaning: Emphasizes a prior observation.
Example: As pointed out earlier, the figures require verification.
Why it works: Works when referencing analytical details.
27. As we addressed previously
Meaning: Refers to earlier concerns or updates.
Example: As we addressed previously, the final report will be available tomorrow.
Why it works: Professional and cohesive.
28. As referenced above
Meaning: Indicates a specific reference earlier in the text.
Example: As referenced above, the data set has been updated.
Why it works: Suitable for structured reports.
29. As indicated in the previous discussion
Meaning: Recalls earlier dialogues or meetings.
Example: As indicated in the previous discussion, we will adjust our approach.
Why it works: Clear and polished.
30. As mentioned earlier in this email
Meaning: Context-specific and friendly.
Example: As mentioned earlier in this email, onboarding begins Monday.
Why it works: Ideal for digital communication.
31. As we highlighted earlier
Meaning: Emphasizes key earlier points.
Example: As we highlighted earlier, customer satisfaction remains our priority.
Why it works: Adds emphasis and clarity.
32. As discussed in the previous meeting
Meaning: Points to earlier in-person or virtual discussions.
Example: As discussed in the previous meeting, all teams must finalize their reports.
Why it works: Excellent for workplace communication.
33. As presented earlier
Meaning: Refers back to earlier data, visuals, or presentations.
Example: As presented earlier, sales have increased by 12%.
Why it works: Suitable for business presentations and documentation.
34. As covered earlier
Meaning: Indicates that the topic has been previously explored.
Example: As covered earlier, system maintenance will continue this week.
Why it works: Clear and concise.
35. As mentioned earlier in this report
Meaning: Ideal for structured professional writing.
Example: As mentioned earlier in this report, operational costs have decreased.
Why it works: Enhances clarity in long documents.
36. As we established earlier
Meaning: Refers to earlier agreed-upon points.
Example: As we established earlier, the revised plan is more efficient.
Why it works: Confident and authoritative.
37. As discussed at the outset
Meaning: Refers to initial discussions or opening sections.
Example: As discussed at the outset, this initiative supports long-term growth.
Why it works: Excellent for formal proposals.
38. As conveyed earlier
Meaning: A gentle, polished way to reference earlier communication.
Example: As conveyed earlier, updates will be shared weekly.
Why it works: Professional and smooth.
Quick One-Line Templates
- “As noted earlier, please review the following update.”
- “As previously stated, these changes are now in effect.”
- “As discussed earlier, here is the updated information.”
- “As highlighted above, please proceed accordingly.”
- “As mentioned in the previous section, the guidelines remain unchanged.”
- “As referenced earlier, here is the final version.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these errors when replacing “as previously mentioned”:
- Using overly repetitive or stiff language
- Referencing earlier points without clear context
- Overusing formal phrases in casual communication
- Adding unnecessary filler before delivering your message
- Using vague references that confuse the reader
Keep your writing sharp, direct, and reader-friendly.
FAQ
1. Is “as previously mentioned” still acceptable?
Yes, it’s acceptable—but can sound repetitive or outdated when overused.
2. What’s the most formal alternative?
Phrases like “as previously stated” or “as noted earlier” work best for formal writing.
3. What should I use in emails?
Use more natural options such as “as discussed earlier” or “as mentioned in this email.”
4. Can I use these in academic writing?
Absolutely—formal alternatives like “as referenced earlier” or “as outlined above” fit academic tone well.
5. Which phrase works best for presentations?
Use “as presented earlier” or “as highlighted earlier.”
6. How do I avoid sounding repetitive?
Rotate through a variety of these alternatives and ensure your references are clear.
Final Thoughts
Clear professional communication depends on more than conveying information—it requires precision, clarity, and tone. By replacing “as previously mentioned” with more polished alternatives, you strengthen your writing and make your message sound sophisticated and intentional.
Use these expressions to elevate your emails, reports, proposals, and presentations—and communicate with confidence every time.
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