In the previous question/to the previous question - simple grammar check

Question

Ex1. I have already answered the question in the previous question.

Ex2. I have already said the answer in the previous question.

Ex3. I already covered this question in the previous question.

Ex4. I have already answered the question in a previous question.

Ex6. I have already said the answer in an answer to a previous question.

Ex7. I have already said the answer in the answer to a previous question.

Ex8. I have already said the answer in the answer to the previous question.

Q. Are all of the above grammatically correct? (The accurateness for this is crucial as I may be using them in a presentation/oral exam.).

Thanks in advance.

RandomGuy · Accepted Answer

Yes, they are all grammatically correct, but that doesn't mean you should use them. In my opinion, your use of question twice is repetitive, and said the answer sounds awkward. However, because I'm not you, I can't tell you exactly what you should say (whether you should use the or this, etc.), but I can provide suggestions.

I have already answered the previous question.
I have already covered this in the previous question.
I have already answered this in the previous question.
I have already answered the question in the previous inquiry.
I have just answered this question.
I have already answered this question.

UltimatePedant · Answer

I think they are all grammatically correct.

Vcolts · Answer

"I have already answered this in a previous question" is also acceptable, right? (If I am not refering to a question right before the one I am talking about)

Also, even if it's repetitive to repeat question twice, if it's a formal setting (an exam/presentation), isn't it better to repeat it?

Shawn79 · Answer

For me all the examples with a repeated word, either question or answer, should be crossed off the list. Even if they are grammatical, they sound bad. That eliminates all but example 2, which sounds unnatural to me. Hey, where is example 5?

Here are some ideas:

I covered that question already/previously/earlier.
I gave/provided the answer to that question already/previously/earlier.

Or try the passive to avoid repeating words, if you must:
That was answered/covered already/previously/earlier (or during an earlier/previous question).

There's many more ways you could say this. Is this a rhetorical statement, or a response to Q&A with the audience asking the questions. I ask, because you don't want to sound rude or harsh if you're responding to a question from the audience.

EDIT: I took so long composing my response that others have already replied. I like their suggestions to you.

RandomGuy · Answer

vcolts"I have already answered this in a previous question" is also acceptable, right? (If I am not refering to a question right before the one I am talking about)

Yes, perfectly fine.

vcoltsAlso, even if it's repetitive to repeat question twice, if it's a formal setting (an exam/presentation), isn't it better to repeat it?

If you feel it necessary, then by all means.

In the previous question/to the previous question - simple grammar check

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