Previous research has found
Academic essay writing expression
Use this to ground your arguments in proven facts rather than personal opinions.
En 15 segundos
- Introduces established facts from past studies.
- Adds authority and credibility to academic writing.
- Signals that the speaker is well-informed and objective.
Significado
This phrase is used to introduce facts or discoveries that other experts have already proven. It shows that your statement is backed by evidence rather than just being your own opinion.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Writing a university essay
Previous research has found that exercise reduces stress levels.
Past studies have shown that working out lowers stress.
Giving a business presentation
Previous research has found that remote work increases employee retention.
Earlier data shows that working from home keeps staff around.
Joking with a friend about being late
Previous research has found that you are never on time for brunch.
Past experience shows you are always late for breakfast.
Contexto cultural
This phrase is a cornerstone of Western academic integrity. It stems from the Enlightenment era's focus on empirical evidence over tradition or intuition. In modern English-speaking countries, using this phrase correctly demonstrates that you understand the importance of citing sources and avoiding plagiarism.
The 'That' Connector
Always try to follow the phrase with the word `that`. It makes the transition to your fact much smoother and more natural.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase in every sentence, your writing will feel repetitive. Mix it up with `Studies suggest` or `Data indicates`.
En 15 segundos
- Introduces established facts from past studies.
- Adds authority and credibility to academic writing.
- Signals that the speaker is well-informed and objective.
What It Means
Think of this as the ultimate 'don't take my word for it' move. You are citing the experts to build a strong foundation. It means other people have already done the hard work of investigating. It signals that a discovery is already well-established in the world. You are simply bringing that knowledge into your current conversation. It is a way to borrow authority from the scientific community. You use it to show you are well-informed and serious. It is the professional opposite of saying 'I think.' It feels more like saying 'the world already knows this.'
How To Use It
Start your sentence with these four words to set the stage. Follow it with a specific fact or a summary of a study. You usually use the present perfect tense has found. This is because the discovery still matters and remains true today. You can follow the phrase with the word that. For example, Previous research has found that sleep improves memory. Keep the rest of your sentence simple and direct. Let the data do the heavy lifting for you. You are acting as the messenger for the truth.
When To Use It
This is your best friend when writing university essays. Use it in every academic paper to support your arguments. It is also perfect for serious business reports or presentations. Use it when you need to persuade a skeptical boss. It works wonders in medical, scientific, or psychological contexts. If you are giving a speech, it adds immediate weight to your words. It makes you sound like a professional who does their homework. Use it whenever you want to be objective and unbiased.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a casual Friday night dinner. Your friends might think you have turned into a robot. It is far too stiff for a first date or a party. Saying Previous research has found you are pretty is a social disaster. Avoid it in quick text messages to your family. It is also not for sharing personal feelings or opinions. Do not use it if you cannot actually name a source. If you use it for 'common sense,' it sounds silly. You do not need research to say that fire is hot.
Cultural Background
Western academic culture values the 'scientific method' above almost everything else. We love data, evidence, and peer-reviewed facts. This phrase comes from the world of scholarly journals and libraries. In these circles, your personal opinion matters less than hard data. It reflects a culture of 'standing on the shoulders of giants.' We believe that knowledge is a collective, ongoing effort. By using this phrase, you are joining that intellectual community. It shows respect for the history of your specific subject.
Common Variations
You will see many cousins of this phrase in the wild. Studies have shown is perhaps the most popular version. Evidence suggests is used when the facts are a bit less certain. Scholars have noted is very common in history or art classes. Data indicates is the perfect choice for math or business settings. If you want to be extremely formal, try It has been established. Each variation has a slightly different flavor for your writing. They all serve to bring in the experts to back you up.
Notas de uso
This phrase is strictly formal. It is almost never used in casual spoken English unless the speaker is being intentionally humorous or academic.
The 'That' Connector
Always try to follow the phrase with the word `that`. It makes the transition to your fact much smoother and more natural.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase in every sentence, your writing will feel repetitive. Mix it up with `Studies suggest` or `Data indicates`.
The 'Giant' Secret
English speakers use this phrase to show 'intellectual humility.' It tells people you aren't making things up, which is highly respected in Western culture.
Ejemplos
6Previous research has found that exercise reduces stress levels.
Past studies have shown that working out lowers stress.
This is the classic academic use to support a claim.
Previous research has found that remote work increases employee retention.
Earlier data shows that working from home keeps staff around.
Used here to persuade management with objective data.
Previous research has found that you are never on time for brunch.
Past experience shows you are always late for breakfast.
A humorous way to use a formal phrase for a silly personal observation.
Previous research has found that sugar is linked to low energy.
Studies show that eating sugar makes you feel tired later.
Using authority to give advice without sounding bossy.
Previous research has found this medication to be highly effective.
Earlier tests show this medicine works very well.
Provides professional reassurance based on clinical data.
Previous research has found that kindness can significantly improve community bonds.
Studies have proven that being nice helps people get along.
Adds a layer of scientific truth to an emotional or social topic.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct phrase to complete the academic sentence.
___ that early childhood education has long-term benefits.
In a formal or academic context, 'Previous research has found' provides the necessary authority.
Which verb tense correctly completes the phrase?
Previous research ___ found a link between coffee and longevity.
The present perfect 'has found' is standard for research that remains relevant today.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality Spectrum
Talking to friends
I heard that...
General conversation
Studies show...
Academic/Business
Previous research has found...
Where to use 'Previous research has found'
University Thesis
Citing sources in a literature review.
Boardroom Meeting
Proposing a new strategy based on data.
Medical Journal
Reporting on a new drug trial.
Serious Documentary
Narrating facts about climate change.
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasYou can, but has found is much more common. The present perfect suggests the findings are still important and true right now.
Not at all! You can use it for history, sociology, business, or any field where people collect data and write reports.
Studies show is slightly less formal and very common in news articles. Previous research has found is the 'gold standard' for academic essays.
Usually, yes. In a formal paper, you would follow this phrase with a citation like (Smith, 2023) at the end of the sentence.
Yes! It’s a great way to show you are knowledgeable. For example: Previous research has found that this software improves efficiency.
If your blog is educational or professional, it fits perfectly. If it's a personal diary-style blog, it might feel a bit too stiff.
No, it just means the work was completed before you started writing your paper. It could be research from last week!
Yes, discovered is a great synonym. It sounds a bit more exciting than found and works well for breakthroughs.
I read that sounds like a casual rumor. Previous research has found sounds like a verified, scientific fact.
Research is an uncountable noun in this context. So, we always use the singular has rather than have.
If you disagree with the research, you can say While previous research has found X, new data suggests Y.
Only if you are being funny or sarcastic. Otherwise, it's way too formal for a quick chat.
Frases relacionadas
Studies have shown
A slightly more common, less formal way to introduce evidence.
Evidence suggests
Used when the data points to a conclusion but isn't 100% certain.
It has been observed
Focuses on what people have seen happening in real-world situations.
Literature indicates
A very formal way to say that many books and papers agree on a topic.
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