# previousElementSibling property

The `previousElementSibling` property contains the previous element that is in the same parent. If there is no such element, then `null` is returned.

## Syntax

`element.previousElementSibling;`

## Example

The element `#elem` is given. Let's display the text of his neighbor from above:

`<p>sibling</p> <p id="elem">elem</p>` `let elem = document.querySelector('#elem'); let text = elem.previousElementSibling.textContent; console.log(text);`

The code execution result:

`'sibling'`

## Example

If there is no neighbor above or it is located not in the parent of our element, `null` is also returned:

`<p>sibling</p> <div> <p id="elem">elem</p> </div>` `let elem = document.querySelector('#elem'); console.log(elem.previousElementSibling);`

The code execution result:

`null`

## See also

- the `nextElementSibling` property
  that contains a neighbor from below (next element)

← →
↑
en ru