Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

Fixed expressions

A number of other fixed expressions allow anaphoric and cataphoric reference.

Words and expressions such as the former, foregoing, previous create anaphoric

reference, while words and expressions such as below, as follows and the

following

create cataphoric reference:

All of 

the foregoing needs of course to be put in its social and political context.

On 

the previous page you will find details of our new offer as well.

See 

below for more detailed instructions.

I regret to inform you that your application is invalid for 

the following reasons.

Longer reference

Words such as this, which and such can also be used to refer endophorically to

segments of the text longer than just a noun phrase. That is, they may refer to

preceding or following words and phrases, a previous or upcoming whole

sentence or, sometimes, a whole stretch of text:

He is very experienced

. 

This is why we should invite him.

It’s the best low-fat spread

. 

Which is why you should keep loads in your fridge.