In 15 Seconds
- Formal way to refer back to a previous point.
- Used mainly in professional emails, reports, and presentations.
- Acts as a 'verbal bookmark' to reinforce consistency.
- Should be followed by a comma when starting a sentence.
Meaning
Think of this phrase as a polite, professional way to say 'Hey, remember what I just said?' It’s a verbal anchor that helps your audience connect your current point to something you already established. It adds a layer of authority and consistency to your message, making you sound organized and prepared.
Key Examples
3 of 10Job interview on Zoom
As stated previously, my experience with Project Management spans over five years.
As stated previously, my experience with Project Management spans over five years.
Formal email to a client
As stated previously, the final delivery is contingent on the signed contract.
As stated previously, the final delivery is contingent on the signed contract.
Academic essay
The results, as stated previously, indicate a significant shift in consumer behavior.
The results, as stated previously, indicate a significant shift in consumer behavior.
Cultural Background
In US business culture, this phrase is often used to create a 'paper trail' in emails. It is a way of protecting oneself by showing that information was already provided. British English often uses this in academic and civil service contexts. It is seen as a mark of 'proper' and 'educated' writing. Japanese professionals using English often favor this phrase because it aligns with the formal, structured nature of Japanese business communication (Keigo). German speakers often use this phrase in English because it directly maps to the German 'Wie bereits erwähnt,' which is standard in their very structured business environment.
Avoid 'I'
Using 'As stated previously' (passive) sounds more objective and professional than 'As I stated previously' (active), which can sometimes sound defensive.
Don't Overuse
If you use this more than twice in one email, you might sound impatient or like you are lecturing the reader.
In 15 Seconds
- Formal way to refer back to a previous point.
- Used mainly in professional emails, reports, and presentations.
- Acts as a 'verbal bookmark' to reinforce consistency.
- Should be followed by a comma when starting a sentence.
What It Means
Ever felt like people just aren't listening to you in a meeting?
What It Means
As stated previously is the professional version of 'Like I said before.' It’s a tool used in formal writing and speaking to point back to a previous fact, argument, or instruction. When you use this, you aren't just repeating yourself; you're reinforcing your logic. It suggests that your message is consistent and that the current point depends on what came before. It carries a vibe of 'I have a plan, and I'm sticking to it.' It’s like a GPS rerouting you to a point you already passed to make sure you didn't miss the turn. Just try not to sound like a broken record, or people might start checking their phones for memes.
How To Use It
In most cases, you’ll place this at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma. For example: As stated previously, the deadline is Friday. You can also tuck it into the middle of a thought: The project will, as stated previously, require more funding. It’s very common in emails when you’re replying to someone who clearly didn't read your first message. We've all been there, right? It’s a gentle way to remind them that the information is already in the thread. It’s also a staple in academic papers and legal documents where precision is everything. If you’re giving a presentation, it helps your audience keep track of your main thesis without you having to re-explain everything from scratch.
Formality & Register
This phrase lives in the 'Formal' to 'Very Formal' neighborhood. It’s perfect for a job interview, a business proposal, or a university lecture. You’ll see it a lot on LinkedIn or in professional Slack channels when discussing project scopes. However, if you use it while grabbing tacos with your best friend, you’ll sound like you’ve accidentally swallowed a corporate handbook. Use it when you want to appear objective, organized, and slightly authoritative. It’s the 'suit and tie' of English transitions. If the situation calls for sweatpants and a hoodie, maybe stick to 'Like I said.' Even your cat would find it too formal if you used it during cuddle time.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you're in a Zoom meeting and someone asks a question you already answered five minutes ago. You smile (even if it's forced) and say, As stated previously, we are still waiting for the client's approval. Or think about a Terms of Service agreement that no one reads—it's usually packed with this phrase. You might find it in a travel vlog where the creator says, As stated previously, the hike is much harder than it looks on Instagram. It shows up in Netflix subtitles during legal dramas when a lawyer is cross-examining a witness. Even in gaming, a tutorial might say, As stated previously, you need three gems to open this door. It’s everywhere once you start looking for it!
When To Use It
Use it when consistency is key. If you're writing an email to a client and want to remind them of a price you quoted earlier, this is your go-to phrase. It’s also great for summarizing a complex argument in a school essay. If you’re leading a workshop, use it to tie different sections of your talk together. It’s particularly useful when you need to be firm but polite. It signals that you are organized and have already done the work of providing the information. Basically, use it whenever you want to sound like the most prepared person in the room—even if you’re just winging it.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in casual texts or DMs. Sending a message to your roommate saying, As stated previously, it’s your turn to do the dishes, might come off as a bit passive-aggressive. It’s too heavy for lighthearted conversations. Don’t use it if you haven't actually stated something previously—that’s just confusing! Also, don't use it more than once or twice in a single conversation. If you keep saying it, you’ll sound like a robot with a limited vocabulary. Nobody likes a 'Mr. Know-It-All' who constantly reminds people what they said. It’s a spice, not the main course; use it sparingly to keep the flavor professional.
Common Mistakes
Learning the adverb form previously is the trick here. Many people forget the -ly at the end. Also, remember that stated is the past participle—you’re talking about something that already happened. Another common slip-up is using 'Like' instead of 'As.' While 'Like' is okay for speaking with friends, 'As' is the gold standard for formal writing. Don't let your grammar slip just because you're tired of typing! If you mess it up, just pretend it was a typo caused by your extreme productivity.
Common Variations
If you want to mix things up, try As mentioned earlier. It’s slightly less formal but still very professional. In written reports, you’ll often see As noted above. If you’re referring to a specific document, you might say As outlined in the proposal. For a more academic vibe, try As discussed in the preceding section. In very high-level legal contexts, you might even hear As heretofore mentioned (but please, don't use that one unless you're wearing a wig in a British court). Each variation has a slightly different 'flavor,' so choose the one that fits your specific 'corporate sandwich' best.
Real Conversations
Manager
Designer
As stated previously, the team prefers the midnight blue option.Manager
Student A: Wait, does the essay need to be double-spaced?
Student B: As stated previously by the professor on Canvas, yes, it does.
Student A: Ugh, I have to reformat everything now.
Customer Support: As stated previously in our refund policy, we cannot accept returns after 30 days.
Customer
Customer Support: We apologize for the inconvenience, but the policy is quite clear.
Quick FAQ
Is As stated previously rude? Not inherently, but if you use it too much, it can sound impatient. Is there a shorter version? You can say As mentioned, which is a bit punchier. Can I use it in a speech? Yes, it’s a great way to help the audience follow your logic. Does it only refer to speaking? No, it works for writing, typing, and even sign language! Can I use it at the end of a sentence? It's possible, but it usually sounds best at the beginning or middle. What if I forgot what I said? Then definitely don't use it—you'll get caught in a lie! It’s all about building trust and clarity.
Usage Notes
Use this phrase at the start of a sentence followed by a comma for maximum impact. It is most effective in professional emails and formal presentations to reinforce consistency. Avoid using it in casual text messages to prevent sounding overly stiff or passive-aggressive.
Avoid 'I'
Using 'As stated previously' (passive) sounds more objective and professional than 'As I stated previously' (active), which can sometimes sound defensive.
Don't Overuse
If you use this more than twice in one email, you might sound impatient or like you are lecturing the reader.
Examples
10As stated previously, my experience with Project Management spans over five years.
As stated previously, my experience with Project Management spans over five years.
Used to reinforce a key qualification mentioned earlier in the interview.
As stated previously, the final delivery is contingent on the signed contract.
As stated previously, the final delivery is contingent on the signed contract.
Reminds the client of a condition without being overly aggressive.
The results, as stated previously, indicate a significant shift in consumer behavior.
The results, as stated previously, indicate a significant shift in consumer behavior.
Connects data to a thesis point mentioned in the introduction.
As stated previously in my stories, consistency is more important than intensity!
As stated previously in my stories, consistency is more important than intensity!
Refers followers back to temporary content (Stories) to build brand authority.
✗ As stated previously, I want pizza. → ✓ Like I said earlier, I'm down for pizza.
✗ As stated previously, I want pizza. → ✓ Like I said earlier, I'm down for pizza.
Shows that the formal phrase is awkward for casual peer-to-peer texting.
As stated previously, I think we should try that new espresso blend.
As stated previously, I think we should try that new espresso blend.
A bit formal for a café, but works if discussing a 'previous' suggestion.
As stated previously, please submit your expense reports by EOD tomorrow.
As stated previously, please submit your expense reports by EOD tomorrow.
Common way to nudge a group about a recurring deadline.
✗ As stating previous, your argument lacks evidence. → ✓ As stated previously, your argument lacks evidence.
✗ As stating previous, your argument lacks evidence. → ✓ As stated previously, your argument lacks evidence.
Corrects the common grammatical error of using the wrong verb/adverb form.
As stated previously, I am not available for meetings on Monday mornings.
As stated previously, I am not available for meetings on Monday mornings.
Used to set a boundary that has been ignored by others.
I will now repeat myself, as stated previously, for the third time today.
I will now repeat myself, as stated previously, for the third time today.
Uses the phrase's formality to create a dry, humorous effect.
Test Yourself
Complete the formal email sentence.
________ stated previously, the office will be closed for the holiday.
'As' is the standard conjunction for this formal expression.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a business report?
Choose the best option:
This uses the correct adverb 'previously' and the appropriate formal register.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Where would you most likely hear 'As stated previously'?
Legal settings require the high formality and precision this phrase provides.
Complete the dialogue.
Manager: 'Why is the project late?' Employee: '________, we are waiting for the client's approval.'
This is the correct formal way to remind the manager of a previous explanation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises________ stated previously, the office will be closed for the holiday.
'As' is the standard conjunction for this formal expression.
Choose the best option:
This uses the correct adverb 'previously' and the appropriate formal register.
Where would you most likely hear 'As stated previously'?
Legal settings require the high formality and precision this phrase provides.
Manager: 'Why is the project late?' Employee: '________, we are waiting for the client's approval.'
This is the correct formal way to remind the manager of a previous explanation.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsBoth are grammatically correct and mean the same thing. 'As previously stated' is slightly more common in American English, while 'As stated previously' is common in British English.
It's not recommended unless you are joking. It sounds very formal and 'stiff' for social situations.
'Stated' implies a formal, clear declaration. 'Mentioned' is softer and suggests the topic was brought up briefly.
Yes, 'As stated before' is perfectly fine and slightly less formal than 'previously.'
Related Phrases
As mentioned earlier
similarReferring to something said before.
As noted above
specialized formReferring to text written higher on the page.
To reiterate
builds onTo say something again for emphasis.
Like I said
synonymInformal way to refer to a previous statement.