“As previously mentioned” is useful when referring back to information you have already given, but repeated use can sound stiff or irritated. Alternatives such as “as noted earlier,” “as we discussed,” and “to return to an earlier point” can be more natural.
Choose the Reference That Fits
- As noted earlier
- As mentioned earlier
- As discussed
- As we discussed
- As outlined above
- As stated earlier
- As explained above
- As indicated earlier
- As highlighted above
- As referenced earlier
- To return to an earlier point
- As I mentioned
- As we noted
- As previously stated
- To reiterate
As noted earlier
A concise, neutral alternative for reports, emails, and other formal writing. Example: As noted earlier, the figures are provisional.
As mentioned earlier
Very close in meaning to the original and slightly less formal. Example: As mentioned earlier, the deadline has moved to Friday.
As discussed
Best when the point was covered in a conversation, meeting, or previous exchange. Example: As discussed, I’ve attached the revised timetable.
As we discussed
Warmer and more collaborative than the impersonal “as discussed.” Example: As we discussed yesterday, the first phase will focus on recruitment.
As outlined above
Useful in documents when the relevant information appears earlier on the same page or section. Example: As outlined above, three criteria must be met.
As stated earlier
Clear and formal, especially when referring to a specific statement. Example: As stated earlier, participation is voluntary.
As explained above
Best when referring back to reasoning or an explanation rather than a simple fact. Example: As explained above, the two measures are not directly interchangeable.
As indicated earlier
Formal and slightly indirect, suitable for technical or administrative writing. Example: As indicated earlier, further approval may be required.
As highlighted above
Useful when the earlier point was deliberately emphasized. Example: As highlighted above, cost is only one factor in the decision.
As referenced earlier
Appropriate when referring back to a source, example, document, or item already cited. Example: As referenced earlier, the policy was updated in March.
To return to an earlier point
A natural transition when you want to revisit an idea rather than simply remind the reader it was mentioned. Example: To return to an earlier point, the timing will depend on recruitment.
As I mentioned
Direct and conversational for emails or spoken communication. Example: As I mentioned, I’ll be away on Monday.
As we noted
Collaborative wording that works well in joint work or follow-up messages. Example: As we noted in the meeting, the sample size is still small.
As previously stated
Formal and close to the original. Useful in policies or legal-administrative writing, but often too stiff for ordinary email. Example: As previously stated, refunds are available within 30 days.
To reiterate
Signals that you are deliberately repeating an important point. It is stronger than a simple backward reference. Example: To reiterate, no action is required at this stage.
Avoid Sounding Irritated
In email, “as previously mentioned” can sometimes read as “I already told you this.” If you only need to provide the information again, it may be smoother to state it directly: “The deadline is Friday” rather than “As previously mentioned, the deadline is Friday.”
Use “to reiterate” when repetition is intentional and important, not merely because the information appeared somewhere earlier.