Before this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Before this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that occurred or was mentioned prior to the current point in time or discussion. Example: "Before this, we had discussed the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

As before, this property shows (2.7).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

As before, this proved surprisingly difficult.

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

Before this, she'd cried.

The New Yorker

Before this, no one knew anything.

The New Yorker

Before this, two further acts remained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Before this series we were the No1.

The Guardian - Sport

Before this he was a private tutor.

The Guardian

Before this, it was trial and error.

The Guardian

Before this happens again.

TechCrunch

Before this innovation was a separate thing.

Forbes

Before this fusion, two steps are required.

Optics Communications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Before this" to clearly establish a sequence of events, ensuring the reader understands the chronological order. It's effective for setting context and contrasting situations.

Common error

Ensure the reference point for "Before this" is clear. If the context isn't immediately obvious, rephrase to specify the event or time being referred to, such as "Before this meeting" or "Before this decision".

Linguistic Context

"Before this" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating time. It typically modifies a clause by specifying when something occurred relative to a subsequent event. This is consistent with examples provided by Ludwig, which clearly show its role in establishing a temporal sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Before this" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to establish temporal order. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions effectively to provide context by referring to prior events or states. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, from news reporting to scientific papers, with a notable presence in News & Media and Science. Alternatives like "prior to this" and "previously" can be used depending on the desired formality and conciseness. Understanding its correct usage and potential for ambiguity is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prior to this

Emphasizes a more formal tone than "Before this".

Previously

A single word that replaces the phrase, suitable for concise writing.

Earlier

Implies a shorter time interval than "Before this".

Leading up to this

Suggests a series of events that culminate in the current situation.

In advance of this

Highlights the proactive aspect of doing something before the specified event.

Preceding this

A more formal and academic alternative to "Before this".

Antedating this

Implies a much older or more distant event.

Up until this point

Stresses the accumulation of events or information leading to the present.

Hitherto

An archaic term for "Before this", suitable for historical or literary contexts.

Up to now

Focuses on the current moment as a result of past events.

FAQs

How can I use "Before this" in a sentence?

"Before this" is used to indicate that something happened or existed earlier in time. For example, "Before this, we had discussed the importance of teamwork."

What are some alternatives to "Before this"?

Alternatives include "prior to this", "previously", or "earlier". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it more formal to say "Prior to this" instead of "Before this"?

Yes, "Prior to this" generally carries a more formal tone compared to "Before this". It's often preferred in academic or professional writing.

Can "Before this" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "Before this" can effectively start a sentence to introduce a preceding event or situation. For example, "Before this, she'd cried."