When I began to explore new options, I realized that something previously mentioned in a conversation or document can shape the message in unique ways. As Previously Mentioned, this signals how important clarity is while each point, sentence, or phrase can be replaced with synonyms or the aforementioned words to make the tone feel natural and engaging.
In my experience, choosing the right example, swapping a stiff phrase, or experimenting with subtle changes instantly improves communication, while following a guide with clear explanations helped me discover that the smallest word or choice can transform a sentence, making it sound genuine, bringing the message to the next level and giving each point time to resonate while keeping the style unique and personal.
What Does “As Previously Mentioned” Mean?
As Previously Mentioned, signals that something is being referred to that was already stated, discussed, or written earlier. It’s a polite way to connect a new point to a past point and can be replaced with synonyms like aforementioned, as discussed earlier, or as noted above.
When to Use “As Previously Mentioned”
Use this phrase when you want to remind the reader or listener of information that was already shared, especially in formal communication, emails, presentations, or reports. It helps maintain clarity and flow without sounding repetitive or harsh.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “As Previously Mentioned”?
Yes. Using “As Previously Mentioned” is polite, professional, and neutral. It works well in business, academic, and formal writing, showing you are organized and respectful of the reader’s time.
Pros or Cons
Pros:
- Helps connect past points with the current discussion.
- Maintains clarity and flow.
- Professional and polite.
Cons:
- Can feel formal or stiff if overused.
- It might seem redundant in casual conversation.
Aforementioned
Meaning & Definition: Refers to something already mentioned earlier in the text or conversation.
Detailed Explanation: “Aforementioned” can replace “As Previously Mentioned” to link past points smoothly.
Example: The aforementioned guidelines should be followed strictly to ensure compliance.
Best Use: Formal writing, reports, legal documents.
Worst Use: Casual emails or texts.
Tone: Professional, precise, formal
As Discussed Earlier
Meaning & Definition: Refers to a topic that was talked about previously.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase reminds the reader of a discussion already had without repeating it.
Example: As discussed earlier, the project deadline will be moved to next Friday.
Best Use: Meetings, presentations, and emails summarizing discussions.
Worst Use: Overly repetitive contexts or casual chats.
Tone: Professional, courteous, neutral
As Noted Above
Meaning & Definition: Indicates a point already mentioned earlier in the document or text.
Detailed Explanation: Use this to direct attention to previous information in a document or report.
Example: As noted above, all team members must submit their reports by 5 PM.
Best Use: Written communication, reports, instructions.
Worst Use: Informal conversation.
Tone: Formal, instructional, clear
Previously Stated
Meaning & Definition: Refers to something explicitly mentioned before.
Detailed Explanation: Helps the reader recall earlier points without repeating details.
Example: The previously stated policy remains in effect for all new employees.
Best Use: Reports, policy documents, emails.
Worst Use: Casual chat or messaging.
Tone: Formal, precise, authoritative
As Mentioned Before
Meaning & Definition: Indicates the reader or listener has heard or read this information earlier.
Detailed Explanation: A conversational alternative to “As Previously Mentioned”, softer and slightly less formal.
Example: As mentioned before, please submit your forms by Monday.
Best Use: Email reminders, newsletters, team updates.
Worst Use: Overly casual social messages.
Tone: Friendly, professional, clear
As Previously Discussed
Meaning & Definition: Refers to something that was already discussed in a previous conversation or document.
Detailed Explanation: Use this to remind readers of earlier points without repeating all details.
Example: As previously discussed, the marketing strategy will focus on social media engagement.
Best Use: Meetings, follow-up emails, professional presentations.
Worst Use: Informal chats or casual social messages.
Tone: Professional, courteous, clear
As Indicated Earlier
Meaning & Definition: Refers to something pointed out earlier in writing or speech.
Detailed Explanation: Helps reinforce a point while maintaining flow in your communication.
Example: As indicated earlier, all project milestones must be approved by management.
Best Use: Reports, official documents, formal emails.
Worst Use: Informal notes or casual conversation.
Tone: Formal, precise, neutral
As Already Mentioned
Meaning & Definition: Highlights that the information has already been stated.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for reminding the audience of previous points without sounding repetitive.
Example: As already mentioned, employees are encouraged to attend the workshop.
Best Use: Emails, memos, reports.
Worst Use: Overused in casual texting.
Tone: Professional, clear, polite
As Previously Noted
Meaning & Definition: Refers to previous notes or observations made.
Detailed Explanation: Useful for referencing information previously provided in discussions or documents.
Example: As previously noted, the quarterly results exceeded expectations.
Best Use: Reports, summaries, presentations.
Worst Use: Informal emails or messages.
Tone: Formal, professional, informative
As Stated Earlier
Meaning & Definition: Indicates information already stated before in the text or conversation.
Detailed Explanation: Perfect for pointing back to something without restating all details.
Example: As stated earlier, the deadline for submissions is Friday.
Best Use: Written reports, emails, official notices.
Worst Use: Casual conversation.
Tone: Formal, concise, professional
As Previously Explained
Meaning & Definition: Refers to previous explanations that were provided.
Detailed Explanation: Reminds the reader of a past explanation to maintain clarity.
Example: As previously explained, the new software update will improve system performance.
Best Use: Instructional emails, guides, training documents.
Worst Use: Overly casual or offhand remarks.
Tone: Professional, informative, clear
As Mentioned Earlier
Meaning & Definition: Refers to earlier mentioned information.
Detailed Explanation: Common alternative to “As Previously Mentioned”, works in formal and semi-formal contexts.
Example: As mentioned earlier, all team members must complete their reports by Monday.
Best Use: Team emails, presentations, newsletters.
Worst Use: Informal chat.
Tone: Friendly, professional, neutral
As Highlighted Before
Meaning & Definition: Refers to points that were emphasized previously.
Detailed Explanation: Use to reinforce important points or key information.
Example: As highlighted before, safety protocols must be strictly followed.
Best Use: Reports, manuals, safety instructions.
Worst Use: Casual social messages.
Tone: Formal, instructive, professional
As Pointed Out Earlier
Meaning & Definition: Refers to something that was previously observed or mentioned.
Detailed Explanation: Useful for referencing a past point without repeating details.
Example: As pointed out earlier, customer feedback is essential for product improvement.
Best Use: Professional reports, presentations, email updates.
Worst Use: Informal chat or casual texting.
Tone: Professional, polite, clear
As Previously Indicated
Meaning & Definition: Refers to something earlier indicated in writing or speech.
Detailed Explanation: Maintains the flow while reminding the reader of prior information.
Example: As previously indicated, all participants must complete the survey by Friday.
Best Use: Official emails, reports, project updates.
Worst Use: Casual messages or social posts.
Tone: Formal, professional, clear
As Already Stated
Meaning & Definition: Refers to information already stated in a prior discussion or document.
Detailed Explanation: Useful to avoid redundancy while reinforcing points.
Example: As already stated, the office will be closed on national holidays.
Best Use: Emails, reports, official notifications.
Worst Use: Informal conversation.
Tone: Professional, formal, neutral
As Previously Recorded
Meaning & Definition: Refers to information already documented or logged.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in reports or formal records to reference prior entries.
Example: As previously recorded, the team achieved its targets for Q2.
Best Use: Reports, documentation, meeting minutes.
Worst Use: Casual conversation.
Tone: Formal, professional, precise
As Mentioned Previously
Meaning & Definition: Same as “As Previously Mentioned”, slightly reordered for stylistic variation.
Detailed Explanation: Emphasizes past points politely and clearly.
Example: As mentioned previously, all employees must complete mandatory training.
Best Use: Emails, reports, newsletters.
Worst Use: Casual texting.
Tone: Professional, polite, clear
As Referred to Earlier
Meaning & Definition: Indicates something earlier referred to in the text or conversation.
Detailed Explanation: Helps to link new points to previous references smoothly.
Example: As referred to earlier, the policy will take effect next month.
Best Use: Reports, presentations, formal communication.
Worst Use: Informal chat.
Tone: Professional, polite, neutral
As Previously Mentioned Above
Meaning & Definition: Refers to information mentioned earlier in the document or discussion.
Detailed Explanation: Reiterates prior points while maintaining clarity in formal writing.
Example: As previously mentioned above, all team members are required to attend the briefing.
Best Use: Reports, manuals, official emails.
Worst Use: Casual conversation.
Tone: Professional, clear, formal
As Already Noted
Meaning & Definition: Refers to points that were already noted or observed earlier.
Detailed Explanation: Useful to remind the reader or listener of prior points without repetition.
Example: As already noted, the submission deadline is Monday.
Best Use: Professional emails, reports, presentations.
Worst Use: Informal social messages.
Tone: Formal, precise, polite
As Previously Highlighted
Meaning & Definition: Refers to points emphasized before.
Detailed Explanation: Helps reinforce key points previously mentioned.
Example: As previously highlighted, quality control is critical in production.
Best Use: Reports, manuals, formal communication.
Worst Use: Casual chat.
Tone: Formal, instructive, professional
As Discussed Previously
Meaning & Definition: Refers to points that were discussed before.
Detailed Explanation: Good for reminding the reader of earlier discussions without repeating them.
Example: As discussed previously, the team will follow the new workflow starting next week.
Best Use: Meetings, emails, presentations.
Worst Use: Informal conversation.
Tone: Professional, polite, neutral
As Noted Previously
Meaning & Definition: Refers to something noted earlier in discussion or writing.
Detailed Explanation: A polite and professional way to reference prior points.
Example: As noted previously, attendance is mandatory for all staff training sessions.
Best Use: Reports, emails, formal documents.
Worst Use: Casual conversation.
Tone: Formal, professional, clear
As Indicated Previously
Meaning & Definition: Refers to something previously indicated in writing or discussion.
Detailed Explanation: Helps connect new points to previous ones smoothly.
Example: As indicated previously, feedback from clients will be reviewed monthly.
Best Use: Reports, project updates, professional communication.
Worst Use: Informal messages.
Tone: Formal, clear, professional
Final Thoughts
Finding the right words in communication is more than just a formality—it shows thoughtfulness, clarity, and respect for your audience. Using alternatives to “As Previously Mentioned” helps you connect ideas, reinforce points, and make your message feel personal and engaging. When you carefully choose phrases like aforementioned, as discussed earlier, or as noted above, you demonstrate professionalism while keeping the tone approachable.
In my experience, overusing formal phrases can make writing feel distant, while too casual wording may seem careless. The key is balance: knowing when to remind, when to highlight, and when to reinforce information without redundancy. Even small changes in word choice can transform the effectiveness of your communication, making each sentence sound genuine and encouraging readers to engage with your ideas.
Whether in emails, reports, presentations, or documents, these alternatives allow you to maintain clarity, guide your audience, and improve comprehension. Thoughtful phrasing shows that you value your readers’ time and attention, enhancing the overall impact of your message. By experimenting with these synonyms and observing the best contexts for each, you can develop a communication style that is both professional and empathetic, leaving a lasting impression and ensuring your points are clearly understood.
FAQs
What does “As Previously Mentioned” mean?
It means referring to something already stated, discussed, or written earlier, connecting a new point to prior information. It ensures clarity and continuity in communication.
When should I use “As Previously Mentioned”?
Use it in formal emails, reports, or presentations when reminding the audience of previously shared information without repeating details.
Can I use it in casual conversation?
While professional, it may sound stiff in casual chats. Alternatives like “as I said earlier” work better for informal use.
What are some professional alternatives?
Alternatives include the aforementioned, as discussed earlier, as noted above, previously stated, or as highlighted before.
Does it make my writing formal?
Yes, using it adds professionalism and helps structure your points clearly, especially in reports or business communication.
Can it improve clarity in documents?
Absolutely. It links past points to new information, avoiding repetition while keeping messages organized.
How does it affect tone?
It keeps the tone polite, neutral, and professional, showing attention to detail and respect for the audience.
Are there overuse risks?
Yes. Repeating it too often can feel redundant or stiff, so alternate with synonyms for smooth flow.
Which synonym is the most versatile?
Aforementioned works well in formal writing, while as mentioned earlier suits semi-formal or conversational contexts.
Can it be used in presentations?
Definitely. It helps highlight key points previously discussed, reinforcing understanding for your audience.
Is it suitable for academic writing?
Yes. It maintains clarity, cohesion, and a formal tone in essays, research papers, and reports.
How does it affect reader perception?
It shows organization, professionalism, and attention to detail, making readers more likely to trust your information.
Can I replace it with simpler words?
Yes, phrases like “as I mentioned before” or “like discussed earlier” can work in less formal writing.
What is the best context for using it?
Use it when referencing previous instructions, points, or findings to maintain continuity and avoid confusion.
Does it help in emails?
Absolutely. It provides polite reminders, reinforces important points, and ensures clear communication in professional correspondence.
Muhammad Altaf is an English language specialist and professional content strategist with over 10 years of experience writing and teaching practical English usage, professional communication, and tone awareness. His work focuses on helping readers express ideas clearly, naturally, and confidently in real-world contexts.
