Above Described vs. Above-Described – Which is Correct?

When should you write “above described” or “above-described”? Both can be grammatically possible, but they do not have equal usefulness. Modern English usually prefers “described above” after a noun, while “above-described” can modify a noun as a compound adjective. “Above described” is mainly formal, legal, or less polished usage today.

Above described or Above-described – Which is Correct?

Both above described and above-described can appear in English, but above-described is the clearer choice when the phrase comes directly before a noun. It functions as a compound adjective, as in “the above-described procedure.”

When the phrase comes after the noun, modern English usually uses described above, as in “the procedure described above.” The unhyphenated sequence above described is possible in highly formal, legal, or older writing, but it often sounds awkward in contemporary prose.

Writers should also distinguish when to Define vs. Describe terms, since each verb serves a different purpose.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

Use the position test: if the phrase comes before a noun, connect the words with a hyphen: “the above-described rule.” If it comes after the noun, reverse the order and write “the rule described above.” This simple swap produces the most natural modern wording in most situations.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
above-described	Compound adjective	Described earlier in the text; placed before a noun	The above-described policy applies to all employees.
above described	Adverb plus past participle	Described earlier; generally formal or old-fashioned in this order	The matters above described are incorporated herein.

How to Use Above-described

Above-described is a compound adjective meaning “described earlier” or “mentioned previously.” It normally appears immediately before a noun and is most common in legal documents, contracts, academic writing, technical instructions, and formal reports.

The hyphen helps readers understand that above-described functions as one modifier for the noun that follows. Although the expression is grammatically acceptable, plain-language writing often sounds more natural with “described above” after the noun.

Example 1: The above-described method produced consistent results.

Example 2: The parties agree to follow the above-described procedures.

Example 3: Payment will be made according to the above-described schedule.

Etymology of the Word Above-described

Above-described combines above, meaning “earlier in a text” or “in a higher position,” with the past participle described. English began using similar directional compounds in formal writing to refer back to information already presented. The hyphen developed as a way to show that the two words work together as a single adjective.

How to Use Above Described

Above described consists of the adverb above and the past participle described. It can mean “described earlier,” but this word order is less common in modern American English. It is most likely to appear in legal language, traditional bureaucratic writing, or deliberately formal prose.

In ordinary writing, replace it with described above. For example, “the requirements described above” is generally clearer and more natural than “the above described requirements.” If you place the phrase before a noun and want to retain the original order, use the hyphenated form: “the above-described requirements.”

Example 1: The provisions above described shall remain in effect.

Example 2: The evidence above described supports the court’s decision.

Example 3: The steps above described must be completed before registration.

Etymology of the Word Above Described

Above described developed from the ordinary use of above as a text-reference adverb and described as the past participle of describe. The expression reflects an older formal style in which adverbs were sometimes placed before participles. Contemporary English more often places the reference word after the participle, producing “described above.”

Related Concepts

Understanding compound modifiers and text-reference expressions makes it easier to choose between these forms and create more natural sentences.

• Compound adjectives: A compound adjective contains two or more words that work together to modify a noun. Hyphens often clarify this relationship when the compound appears before the noun, as in “above-described requirements.”
• Postpositive modifiers: A postpositive modifier follows the noun it describes. “The requirements described above” uses a participial phrase after the noun and is usually the preferred modern construction.
• Text-reference adverbs: Words such as above, below, previously, and earlier can direct readers to information elsewhere in a document.
• Hyphenation: Hyphens can prevent ambiguity by showing that multiple words form one modifier. They are especially useful when a compound adjective appears before a noun.

Examples from Media and Literature

The following examples represent common ways these expressions may appear in formal documents, journalism, fiction, and other published writing:

• News writing: “The investigation examined the above-described allegations.” This formal construction places the compound adjective before allegations.
• Legal writing: “The obligations above described shall bind both parties.” This traditional wording is understandable but more formal and less direct than “the obligations described above.”
• Academic writing: “The findings described above support the proposed explanation.” This is the most natural modern form for scholarly prose.
• Technical documentation: “Follow the above-described installation steps.” The hyphen makes the compound modifier easy to recognize.
• Historical or literary-style prose: “The events above described changed the course of the kingdom.” This arrangement may be used to create an older or highly formal tone.

Practice Exercises

Choose the most appropriate form to complete each sentence: above described, above-described, or described above.

1. The requirements ______ must be met before approval is granted.
2. The ______ requirements must be met before approval is granted.
3. The parties agree to comply with the ______ conditions.
4. The conditions ______ are part of the agreement.
5. The evidence ______ was considered by the committee.

Answer Key

1. described above
2. above-described
3. above-described
4. described above
5. above described

Above-described Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
previously described	Described earlier in the document or discussion
aforementioned	Mentioned previously; formal in tone
foregoing	Stated or presented earlier; common in formal writing
previously mentioned	Referred to earlier in the text

Above Described Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
described above	Presented or explained earlier in the text; the preferred modern alternative
mentioned earlier	Referred to at an earlier point
discussed previously	Considered or explained earlier
set out above	Presented earlier, especially in legal or technical documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “above-described” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Above-described” is a valid compound adjective when it appears before a noun, as in “the above-described agreement.”

Question 2: Is “above described” correct without a hyphen?
It can be grammatical in formal or traditional constructions, such as “the matters above described,” but it is uncommon in modern general writing. “Described above” is usually clearer.

Question 3: Should I write “above-described” or “described above”?
Use “above-described” before a noun and “described above” after a noun. For example, write “the above-described rule” but “the rule described above.”

Conclusion

Above-described is the best choice when the phrase directly modifies a noun, while described above is usually the best choice when the phrase follows the noun. Although above described appears in formal and legal writing, it can sound dated or awkward. Pro Tip: In professional writing, choose the clearest modern construction because precise phrasing strengthens your credibility.