Why is there forementioned and aforementioned when they mean the same thing?

You're right, "forementioned" and "aforementioned" essentially mean the same thing: they both refer to something that has been mentioned earlier in the text. So, why do we have two words that are so similar?

It's a bit of a linguistic quirk, but it's rooted in historical usage:

* "Aforementioned" is the older term, dating back to the 14th century. It combines the Old English words "afore" (before) and "mentioned."

* "Forementioned" is a more recent invention, emerging in the 17th century. It simply combines "fore" (before) and "mentioned."

While both words are grammatically correct, "aforementioned" is considered slightly more formal and perhaps a bit more archaic. "Forementioned" is considered slightly less formal and more commonly used in contemporary writing.

In practice, both words are used interchangeably, and the choice often comes down to personal preference or the tone of the writing.

Ultimately, the existence of both words highlights the richness and occasional redundancy of the English language!