"As discussed earlier" vs "As earlier discussed"

Question

"As discussed earlier" vs "As earlier discussed"

Both "as discussed earlier" and "as earlier discussed" are correct, but "as discussed earlier" is more commonly used in English. The word order in the first phrase flows more naturally and is easier to understand.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

"Discussed" is in past tense, so it signals that a conversation already happened.

"Earlier" isn't needed because listeners have enough information to know that this event happened in the past.

Explanation provided by a TextRanch English expert

Some alternatives from our editors:

as discussed
as we talked about

This phrase can also be used to refer to a topic or point that was previously talked about or mentioned, but it is less commonly used than "as discussed earlier."

Examples:

As earlier discussed, the decision was made to proceed with the new marketing strategy.
As earlier discussed, the team will be meeting next week to review the progress.

Alternatives:

as discussed earlier
as previously discussed
as mentioned earlier
as we talked about earlier
as brought up earlier

Answer 1

As discussed earlier

This is not correct. Don't use this phrase.

Answer 2

As earlier discussed

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"As discussed earlier" vs "As earlier discussed"

As discussed earlier

As earlier discussed

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