When it comes to expressing the concept of “as previously mentioned,” there are various ways to convey this in both formal and informal settings. Whether you’re writing a professional email, creating an academic paper, or engaging in a casual conversation, it’s essential to have a repertoire of suitable phrases at your disposal. In this guide, we will explore a range of expressions that can be used to refer back to something previously discussed, providing tips and examples along the way. Remember, context plays a vital role, so choose the most appropriate phrase based on your specific situation.
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Formal Expressions:
Formal contexts often require a more refined language style. Whether you’re writing a formal letter, delivering a business presentation, or engaging in professional correspondence, the following expressions will help you elegantly refer back to specific points or ideas.
In Reference to Our Previous Discussion:
This phrase is particularly useful when discussing a previous conversation, meeting, or correspondence. It establishes a clear link to the preceding dialogue while maintaining a professional tone. Here’s an example:
In reference to our previous discussion, it was agreed that the project timeline should be adjusted to accommodate the additional requirements.
As Previously Stated:
This expression is straightforward and concise, making it suitable for referencing a statement or idea previously mentioned. It can be used in various contexts, such as reports, minutes of a meeting, or even academic papers. Consider the following example:
As previously stated, our top priority is to ensure customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality products within the promised time frame.
Building upon Our Earlier Conversation:
If you want to keep the conversational flow while referring back to a previous discussion, this expression can be an excellent choice. It helps establish continuity and shows that you value the ongoing conversation. Take a look at this example:
Building upon our earlier conversation, I’d like to clarify some points regarding the budget allocation for the upcoming project.
Informal Expressions:
Informal contexts allow for a more relaxed, conversational tone. Whether you’re chatting with friends, sending casual messages, or engaging in informal writing, the following phrases will help you refer back to previously mentioned topics without sounding too formal.
Like I Mentioned Before:
This phrase is commonly used in casual conversations or informal writing to remind someone of a previous comment or idea you shared. It adds a personal touch to the conversation, as demonstrated in the example below:
Like I mentioned before, I think we should try that new restaurant downtown for our lunch gathering.
As I Previously Said:
If you prefer a slightly more formal tone but still want to keep things relatively informal, “as I previously said” can be an excellent choice. It strikes a balance between casual and professional language. Consider this example:
As I previously said, the movie we watched last night was absolutely hilarious!
Referring Back to What We Were Talking About:
This expression is versatile and can be easily applied in any informal context. It invites the listener or reader to recall the previous topic of discussion, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Here’s an example:
Referring back to what we were talking about, I believe the best solution would be to divide the tasks among the team members.
Additional Tips:
- Use transition words or phrases to seamlessly connect the previous reference with your current point. Examples include “furthermore,” “moreover,” “in addition,” etc.
- Vary your sentence structure to avoid repetition, ensuring a more engaging conversation or written piece.
- When using any of the phrases discussed, pay attention to your intonation or punctuation to clearly convey your intention.
- Maintain a positive and friendly tone throughout the conversation, regardless of formality.
Conclusion:
Mastering the art of referencing previous discussions or ideas is crucial for effective communication. Whether you need to do so in a formal or informal setting, we have explored numerous phrases that can be used to convey this concept smoothly. By selecting the most appropriate expression and implementing the tips provided, you can ensure that your communication remains engaging, clear, and professional or casual depending on your context. Remember to adapt these phrases to suit your individual style and maintain a warm tone to foster strong relationships in both personal and professional interactions.
