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In a paragraph, I know I can refer to text by phrases like 'as said earlier', 'as mentioned above', etc. However I am wondering what would be the right word if I want to say 'This is not the first time this word is used in this text. The first use is in a _ line.' What are the right words? Above/below? Earlier/later?

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Infra (below) and supra (above) are also frequently used. You can just put them between brackets after the word you used before.

Other possibilities: aforementioned, above(-)mentioned, previously mentioned, as stated before... Above and earlier are also correct.

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    +1 for aforementioned, which (not with OP's exact surrounding text) would almost always be my first choice.
    – FumbleFingers
    Jun 7, 2013 at 0:21
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    Again +1 for aforementioned, although I'm dubious about infra and supra. These are not particularly common, at least outside of academia and law.
    – Matt
    Jun 7, 2013 at 3:12
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    @Matt probably you are right! I read mainly academic texts.
    – Sironsse
    Jun 7, 2013 at 6:19
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Above and earlier are fine choices, as is "first use is in a previous line". Mix and match to suite your taste, though "above" should avoided if something is to be in a book/booklet/pamphlet form as "above" might not end up being applicable after final typesetting.

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