"in previous sections" vs "in the previous sections"

Question

"in previous sections" vs "in the previous sections"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'In the previous sections' is used when referring to specific sections that were mentioned earlier in the same text or conversation. 'In previous sections' is used when referring to any sections that came before the current one, without specifying them. The choice between them depends on whether you are pointing to specific sections or just mentioning sections in general.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

This phrase is used to refer to sections that occurred before the current one, without pinpointing specific sections.

Examples:

In previous sections of the book, the author introduces the main characters.
The concepts discussed in previous sections are crucial for understanding this chapter.
In previous sections, we explored different approaches to problem-solving.

Alternatives:

In sections that came before
In earlier sections
In sections preceding this one
In sections that were covered earlier
In sections that were previously discussed

This phrase is used to refer to particular sections that were previously discussed or introduced in the text or conversation.

Examples:

In the previous sections, we discussed the main findings of the study.
As mentioned in the previous sections, the author's argument becomes clearer.
In the previous sections of the report, the methodology was explained in detail.

Alternatives:

In the sections mentioned earlier
In those sections
In the sections that preceded
In the aforementioned sections
In the sections we covered before

Answer 1

in previous sections

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to any sections that came before the current one, without specifying them.

Answer 2

in the previous sections

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to specific sections that were mentioned earlier in the same text or conversation.

"in previous sections" vs "in the previous sections"

in previous sections

in the previous sections

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