Before either one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Before either one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a choice or decision that involves two options or individuals, indicating a preference or action that should occur prior to either option being considered. Example: "I need to gather more information before either one of us makes a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

When two journalists waved and inquired how he was doing, he responded, "Fine, how you guys doing?" Before either one could respond, a trailing Jeff Van Gundy blurted out: "Why don't you tell them to get lost once in a while?

The New York Times - Sports

A few months after the pair had stopped working together - long before either one's respective scandals - Derek called him up to suggest dinner.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was iMessage and ChatOn before either one existed.

TechCrunch

Democratic lawmakers have recently reintroduced two different "right to request" legislations the Flexibility For Working Families Act and the Schedules That Work Act but it may be a while before either one comes up for consideration by the House and Senate.

Forbes

Neither film had dealt directly with the shuttle accidents, because both had been made before either one.

Huffington Post

But before either one of them can get it, a judge, played by Dennis Miller, sentences them to "six months hard marriage".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

DORMAN: No one played like Seve before, either.

The New York Times - Sports

Figure 1C, D and E represent the results obtained when each drug was present for 24 h, either one immediately before the other or concurrently.

British Journal of Cancer

The nonprotein fermentation liquid had the lowest control among all E1R-j treatments whenever the time of application was (either one day before or after the fungal inoculation).

BioMed Research International

At the ± 5% accuracy threshold, 9 patients were accurate before on either one or the other or both.

BMC Cancer

A number of issues are important to consider before concluding that either one of these treatment modalities is favorable in patients with a GOO.

BMC Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Before either one" to clearly establish a necessary precondition when two distinct possibilities exist. For instance, "Check the weather forecast before either one of us decides what to wear."

Common error

Avoid using "Before either one" when referring to more than two options. This phrase is strictly for scenarios involving two choices. For multiple options, use "Before any of them".

Linguistic Context

"Before either one" functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing a clause that specifies the timing or condition that must be satisfied. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. For example, "Before either one concluded..." sets a clear temporal boundary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Before either one" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that something must occur prior to a choice between two options. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media, and scientific contexts, and its usage suggests a neutral register. While not exceedingly frequent, it is a useful and clear way to express precedence, with alternatives like "Prior to either" offering similar meanings. Be sure to limit use to scenarios with only two options to avoid any confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prior to either

Replaces "before" with "prior to" for a slightly more formal tone.

Before either alternative

Substitutes "one" with "alternative" for increased specificity.

Before either option

Replaces "one" with "option" to focus on choices.

Ahead of either

Uses "ahead of" to emphasize the temporal aspect of something preceding a choice.

Before either selection

Uses "selection" instead of "one" to highlight the act of choosing.

In advance of either

Emphasizes preparation or planning before a decision.

Before a single one

Emphasizes individuality and the order of events.

Previously to either

Combines a formal term with "either" for emphasis.

Until either happens

Shifts the focus to the happening of an event before another.

Ere either occurs

Uses an archaic term, "ere", to indicate "before", adding a stylistic effect.

FAQs

How can I use "Before either one" in a sentence?

Use "Before either one" to indicate an action or condition that must be met before making a choice between two options. For example: "Let's gather all the data before either one of us makes a final decision."

What are some alternatives to "Before either one"?

You can use phrases like "Prior to either", "Ahead of either", or "In advance of either", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "Before either one"?

Yes, the phrase "Before either one" is grammatically correct and commonly used to denote precedence in a choice between two options. Ludwig AI confirms this correctness.

What's the difference between "Before either one" and "Before any of them"?

"Before either one" is used when referring to two specific options, whereas "Before any of them" is used when referring to three or more options.