prior mentioned

/ˈpraɪər ˈmɛnʃənd/
earlier mentioned

The prior mentioned issues will be addressed in the next meeting.

Issues mentioned earlier will be discussed next.


formal

Previously mentioned or referenced in a text or discussion.

The prior mentioned contract clauses require further review.

The contract clauses mentioned earlier need more examination.

As noted in the prior mentioned section, safety protocols must be followed.

The earlier section emphasizes that safety protocols are mandatory.

Commonly used in legal, academic, or formal written contexts to refer back to previously discussed items.

Related Phrases

as mentioned earlierphrase
referring to something stated previously
hereinabovephrase
in a preceding part of the text
hereinafterphrase
in the following part of a document

Pro Tip

Avoid redundancy in casual speech

In everyday conversation, use 'earlier' or 'previously' instead of 'prior mentioned' for simplicity. For example, say 'the issue we talked about earlier' rather than 'the prior mentioned issue'.

Gold Rule

Use in formal contexts only

'Prior mentioned' is best suited for legal, academic, or technical writing. In informal settings, it can sound overly formal or awkward.

Word Origin

The phrase combines 'prior' (from Latin 'prior', meaning 'former') and 'mentioned' (past participle of 'mention', from Old French 'mentioner', derived from Latin 'mentionem'). The phrase emerged in formal English usage, particularly in legal and academic writing, to avoid repetition of previously discussed content.

Usage Notes

While 'prior mentioned' is grammatically correct, it is often considered redundant in casual speech. In formal writing, it is preferred over 'previously mentioned' for conciseness. Avoid using it in creative or narrative contexts where a more natural phrasing would be preferable.

Word Breakdown

prior
earlier in time or order
adjective
+
mentioned
referred to or spoken about
past participle
English Dictionary