B2 Expression Formal 6 min read

As mentioned earlier

Presentation and public speaking expression

In 15 Seconds

  • Refers to previously discussed information.
  • Ensures clarity and logical flow.
  • Neutral to formal in tone.
  • Avoids repetition in communication.

Meaning

This phrase is your verbal (or written) signpost, pointing back to something you've already talked about. It's like gently tapping your listener on the shoulder and saying, 'Remember that thing we just discussed? Well, here's how it connects.' It carries a neutral-to-slightly-formal vibe, ensuring clarity without sounding bossy or overly repetitive.

Key Examples

3 of 11
1

Project status meeting on a video call

`As mentioned earlier`, the marketing campaign will launch next Monday.

As mentioned earlier, the marketing campaign will launch next Monday.

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2

Texting a friend about dinner plans

Hey, `as mentioned earlier`, I'm craving sushi for dinner tonight.

Hey, as mentioned earlier, I'm craving sushi for dinner tonight.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

Instagram caption for a photo series

Loving these new hiking boots! Super comfy for long trails, `as mentioned earlier` in my stories.

Loving these new hiking boots! Super comfy for long trails, as mentioned earlier in my stories.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

Directness is valued. Using 'as mentioned earlier' is seen as a way to be efficient and avoid wasting time by repeating full explanations. Clarity and signposting are essential in British essays. This phrase is a key tool for achieving high marks in 'Cohesion and Coherence'. While the English phrase is used in international business, the Japanese equivalent is much more about showing respect to the listener's time. Precision is key. Using this phrase ensures that every technical step is logically linked to the previous one.

🎯

Use it for Confidence

Using this phrase in an interview shows you are organized and that your thoughts are connected. It makes you sound more authoritative.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you say it every two minutes, you will sound like a broken record. Use it only for truly important connections.

In 15 Seconds

  • Refers to previously discussed information.
  • Ensures clarity and logical flow.
  • Neutral to formal in tone.
  • Avoids repetition in communication.

What It Means

Ever feel like you're having déjà vu in a conversation? That's often when as mentioned earlier comes in handy. It’s a polite way to reference information you’ve already shared.

Think of it as a little mental hyperlink for your listener or reader. It helps them connect the dots.

This phrase acts like a reminder, a gentle nudge to recall prior context. It’s super useful for maintaining coherence.

No need to repeat yourself completely, just point them back. It keeps your communication smooth and efficient.

It signals, “Hey, this isn't new info, just a quick callback.” And who doesn't love a good callback?

How To Use It

Using as mentioned earlier is pretty straightforward. You just drop it in before or after the point you're linking.

For instance, if you talked about a project deadline, you might say, “As mentioned earlier, the deadline is next Friday.”

It's perfect for structuring arguments, reports, or even long emails. It builds a logical flow.

Imagine you're giving a presentation. You don't want to re-explain every detail.

This phrase lets you move forward while ensuring everyone is still on the same page. It’s a speaker's best friend.

Sometimes, you can even abbreviate it mentally. Just make sure your audience *actually* heard it earlier. Otherwise, it's just awkward.

Formality & Register

As mentioned earlier generally sits on the neutral to formal side of the spectrum. It's not something you'd usually text your bestie.

You'll hear it a lot in business meetings, academic discussions, or legal documents. It signals professionalism.

In a casual chat, you'd probably say something like, “Remember I told you…” or “Like we talked about…”

Using it too casually can sound a bit stiff, like you swallowed a dictionary. Keep it flexible.

However, in a professional Slack channel, it's perfectly acceptable. It’s all about context.

So, if you’re pitching to investors or writing a report, go for it. If you’re planning weekend brunch, maybe not.

Real-Life Examples

Consider a project manager outlining tasks: "As mentioned earlier, Sarah will lead the UI design phase."

Or a student writing an essay: "The economic impact, as mentioned earlier, was severe."

On a social media post, maybe an influencer referring to a previous story: "Wearing my favorite hat today, as mentioned earlier in my 'Get Ready With Me' reel!"

Even in a review: "The sound quality, as mentioned earlier, is outstanding for its price point."

Think about a news report, connecting current events to historical context. Always a classic.

When To Use It

  • When clarifying: If there's a chance someone forgot a detail, this is your phrase.
  • When structuring a long explanation: It helps build on previous points without full repetition.
  • In formal writing: Reports, academic papers, professional emails love this phrase.
  • During presentations: To tie back to an introductory point or previous slide.
  • When you want to be concise: Instead of re-explaining everything, you offer a reminder.

It's your linguistic compass, guiding people back to the map. Use it wisely!

When NOT To Use It

  • When the information was just stated: If you said it 30 seconds ago, don't use it. It's redundant and a bit patronizing.
  • In overly casual settings: Texting your sibling about pizza? Probably not.
  • If the information was never actually mentioned: This is a rookie mistake. Don’t gaslight your audience!
  • To sound smarter than you are: Overusing formal phrases can backfire. Keep it natural.
  • When you're trying to hide new information: It's a reminder, not a cloak for stealth changes.

Basically, don't use it if you want to annoy people. Your call.

Common Mistakes

"The data, as mentioned earlier, suggests the market is growing, even though I just showed you the graph two seconds ago." "The data clearly suggests the market is growing."
"Hey, as mentioned earlier, can you pick up milk?" (in a text) "Hey, can you grab milk?"
"As mentioned earlier, the sky is blue." (when it was never discussed) "The sky is blue."
"I loved the movie, and as mentioned earlier, the acting was phenomenal." (no prior mention) "I loved the movie; the acting was phenomenal."
"As mentioned earlier, remember that thing?" "As mentioned earlier, the key takeaway is..."

Common Variations

  • As previously stated: Very similar, maybe slightly more formal. Great for legal stuff.
  • As noted before: A bit softer, less direct. Often used in emails.
  • As I said before: More personal, definitely less formal. Use with caution, can sound a little impatient.
  • Referring back to my earlier point: More verbose, but very clear. Good for complex arguments.
  • To reiterate: Means to say again, but implies you're doing so for emphasis or clarity, not just reminding.
  • Picking up on what I said earlier: Conversational and smooth. Like a jazz riff.
  • We discussed this already: Direct, can be a bit blunt depending on tone. Use with care!

Real Conversations

Speaker 1 (Team Lead on Zoom): "So, to confirm, the new feature will launch next month. As mentioned earlier, we're targeting the 15th."

Speaker 2 (Team Member): "Got it, so full testing by the 10th then?"

Speaker A (Friend texting): "Okay, so for the concert, as mentioned earlier, I got us standing tickets."

Speaker B: "Awesome! So excited! What time are we meeting?"

Speaker X (Professor): "The hypothesis, as mentioned earlier in Chapter 3, forms the basis of our experiment."

Speaker Y (Student): "Ah, so the previous section was crucial for understanding this."

Quick FAQ

  • Is it polite to say as mentioned earlier? Yes, generally it's a polite and professional way to reference past information. It helps keep communication clear and concise for everyone involved.
  • Can I use it in emails? Absolutely! It's very common in professional emails to refer back to previous discussions or points made. It keeps your email focused and ensures continuity.
  • Does it make me sound smart? It makes you sound organized and clear. Overusing it to try and sound smart, however, might just make you sound a bit repetitive.
  • What if I can't remember if I mentioned it? If in doubt, don't use it. It's better to briefly re-state the information or phrase it differently than to pretend you mentioned something you didn't.
  • Is there a casual version? Yes! Think "Like I said..." or "Remember how we talked about...?" These are much more fitting for informal chats.
  • Can I start a sentence with it? Yes, it often works well at the beginning of a sentence to set the context for what follows. It's a common and grammatically correct construction.
  • Is it a filler phrase? While it serves a purpose, overuse can make it *feel* like a filler. Use it strategically, not habitually. Just like too much salt in a dish.

Usage Notes

This phrase is best reserved for neutral to formal contexts to refer back to previously stated or written information. Avoid using it if the information was just mentioned seconds ago, or if it was never actually brought up, as it can sound redundant or even unintentionally misleading. It's a great tool for cohesion, but use it with awareness of your audience's memory.

🎯

Use it for Confidence

Using this phrase in an interview shows you are organized and that your thoughts are connected. It makes you sound more authoritative.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you say it every two minutes, you will sound like a broken record. Use it only for truly important connections.

💬

Email Etiquette

In emails, 'As mentioned earlier' is a polite way to remind someone of a request they haven't fulfilled yet.

Examples

11
#1 Project status meeting on a video call
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

`As mentioned earlier`, the marketing campaign will launch next Monday.

As mentioned earlier, the marketing campaign will launch next Monday.

Used to remind team members of a previously agreed-upon launch date.

#2 Texting a friend about dinner plans
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Hey, `as mentioned earlier`, I'm craving sushi for dinner tonight.

Hey, as mentioned earlier, I'm craving sushi for dinner tonight.

A slightly more formal use in an informal setting, signaling a gentle reminder.

#3 Instagram caption for a photo series
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Loving these new hiking boots! Super comfy for long trails, `as mentioned earlier` in my stories.

Loving these new hiking boots! Super comfy for long trails, as mentioned earlier in my stories.

References prior content to provide context for followers.

#4 Email to a client summarizing progress
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

The updated UI designs, `as mentioned earlier` in our call, are attached for your review.

The updated UI designs, as mentioned earlier in our call, are attached for your review.

Politely references a previous discussion to streamline communication.

#5 A YouTube comment on a review video
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

I agree with your point about the camera quality; `as mentioned earlier`, it's truly outstanding for this price range.

I agree with your point about the camera quality; as mentioned earlier, it's truly outstanding for this price range.

Affirms agreement by referencing the reviewer's previous statement.

#6 Presenting research findings
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

The correlation between variables, `as mentioned earlier` in the methodology section, was statistically significant.

The correlation between variables, as mentioned earlier in the methodology section, was statistically significant.

Connects current findings to established methods for academic rigor.

#7 Job interview response via Zoom
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

`As mentioned earlier` during our initial conversation, my experience in project management aligns perfectly with this role's requirements.

As mentioned earlier during our initial conversation, my experience in project management aligns perfectly with this role's requirements.

Reiterates a key point while reminding the interviewer of prior discussion.

Responding to a query about a common error Common Mistake
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✗ You should have used `as mentioned earlier` when you already said it. → ✓ You should have used `as previously stated` for better flow.

You should have used as mentioned earlier when you already said it. → You should have used as previously stated for better flow.

Incorrect usage due to redundancy; illustrates a common mistake.

Explaining a misunderstanding to a friend Common Mistake
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✗ I told you to get coffee, `as mentioned earlier`! → ✓ I *thought* I told you to get coffee earlier. My bad!

I told you to get coffee, as mentioned earlier! → I thought I told you to get coffee earlier. My bad!

Using `as mentioned earlier` to imply fault can sound aggressive. Better to check assumptions.

#10 A humorous situation about forgetting things
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

My memory is so bad these days, I just used `as mentioned earlier` to refer to something I thought of 5 seconds ago!

My memory is so bad these days, I just used as mentioned earlier to refer to something I thought of 5 seconds ago!

Humorous self-awareness of overusing the phrase or poor memory.

#11 A heartfelt letter to a loved one
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

My love for you, `as mentioned earlier` in countless letters, only deepens with each passing day.

My love for you, as mentioned earlier in countless letters, only deepens with each passing day.

Emphasizes enduring sentiment by referencing repeated declarations.

Test Yourself

Fill in the missing words to complete the professional sentence.

________ ________ earlier, the office will be closed for the holiday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: As mentioned

'As mentioned' is the standard formal opening for this phrase.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: As mentioned earlier, we need to review the data.

This version uses the correct conjunction 'as' and the correct comparative 'earlier'.

Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.

A: Why are we changing the supplier? B: ________, the current one is too expensive.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: As mentioned earlier

The speaker is providing a reason that was likely discussed before.

Match the phrase variation to the correct situation.

1. 'As previously stated' 2. 'As I said before' 3. 'As noted above'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Legal, 2-Casual, 3-Written

'Previously stated' is very formal, 'said before' is casual, and 'noted above' is for text.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the missing words to complete the professional sentence. Fill Blank B1

________ ________ earlier, the office will be closed for the holiday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: As mentioned

'As mentioned' is the standard formal opening for this phrase.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context? Choose B2

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: As mentioned earlier, we need to review the data.

This version uses the correct conjunction 'as' and the correct comparative 'earlier'.

Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response. dialogue_completion B1

A: Why are we changing the supplier? B: ________, the current one is too expensive.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: As mentioned earlier

The speaker is providing a reason that was likely discussed before.

Match the phrase variation to the correct situation. situation_matching B2

1. 'As previously stated' 2. 'As I said before' 3. 'As noted above'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Legal, 2-Casual, 3-Written

'Previously stated' is very formal, 'said before' is casual, and 'noted above' is for text.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be. With friends, 'Like I said' is usually more natural. Use 'As mentioned earlier' if you want to be slightly funny or very clear.

Yes, if it starts the sentence. 'As mentioned earlier, we are ready.' If it's in the middle, use two commas: 'We are, as mentioned earlier, ready.'

Absolutely. They are interchangeable in 99% of situations.

Then don't use it! You will confuse people. Use 'As I will explain later' instead.

It is always 'mentioned' with an -ed. It refers to something that already happened.

Yes, but it might feel a bit formal. 'As I said' or 'Like I said' is more common in SMS.

Not usually. However, if you use it to point out someone's mistake, it can sound a bit 'I told you so'.

Yes. 'We need to go, as mentioned earlier.' It's less common but perfectly correct.

In business, people sometimes write 'As mentioned' without the 'earlier'.

'Previously' is slightly more formal and often used in writing. 'Earlier' is common in both speaking and writing.

Related Phrases

🔄

As previously stated

synonym

A more formal version of the phrase.

🔗

To reiterate

similar

To say something again for emphasis.

🔗

In light of the above

builds on

Considering what was just said.

🔗

As I was saying

similar

Used to return to a topic after an interruption.

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