Prior to either

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Prior to either" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing events or actions that occur before two specified options or scenarios. Example: "Prior to either decision being made, we should gather more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Prior to either therapy however, hysteroscopy was recommended to map cervical anatomy with greater precision.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Prior to either RNA Seq or cDNA synthesis, total RNA was treated with RNase-free DNase I (Qiagen) on an RNeasy column (Qiagen), re-purified and, in the case of RNA Seq, re-assessed on a Bioanalyzer 2100.

BMC Genomics

prior to either completing their report or communicating these findings to us," the team said.

The Washington Post

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the story of Houdini's adventures may yet be filmed prior to either of the above.

The Guardian - Film

Cells were cultured for 4 days prior to either staining or quantitative assaying of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity.

Nature

They found that "the vast majority of respondents reported using alcohol prior to either tobacco or marijuana initiation".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

In Experiment 4D, gerbils received SKF-38393 one day prior to, and either vehicle or anisomycin shortly after initial training.

Cerebral Cortex

This will occur twice: prior to starting either programme of rehabilitation and again after the discharge assessment on completion of the assigned programme.

BMJ Open

Six of the 19 adenocarcinomas found prior to sacrifice either continued growing or remained static following ovariectomy, while the others underwent regression.

British Journal of Cancer

The rest of the applications remained where their APS had placed them prior to discussion (either within or outside of the fundable range).

BMJ Open

In Experiment 4B, SKF-38393 was applied 1 day prior to, and either vehicle or rapamycin shortly after the initial training.

Cerebral Cortex

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Prior to either", ensure the sentence clearly identifies the two options being referenced. Clarity prevents ambiguity and enhances the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "Prior to either" when there are more than two options. This phrase is specifically for scenarios involving exactly two alternatives; otherwise, use a more general term like "before all" or "prior to any".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Prior to either" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate a temporal relationship. It specifies that an action or state occurs before one of two specified alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

84%

News & Media

8%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Prior to either" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something happens before one of two options. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and versatile. While functional in various contexts, it is particularly common in formal writing, notably scientific and academic fields. It’s important to ensure clarity by explicitly stating the two options when using the phrase. For simpler alternatives, consider phrases like "before either". Remember to use it correctly when referring to only two options to maintain clarity and avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Before either

More concise and direct; commonly interchangeable with the query.

Ahead of either

Slightly less formal than the query, but maintains similar meaning.

Previous to either

More formal and emphasizes the temporal sequence.

In advance of either

Similar to 'previous to', highlighting preparation or anticipation.

Before either one

Adds emphasis to the two distinct options being considered.

Earlier than either

Focuses specifically on the time aspect of the sequence.

Leading up to either

Describes the period or events that precede the options.

In anticipation of either

Emphasizes expecting or preparing for one of the two options.

As a prelude to either

More literary and formal, suggesting an introductory event.

Anticipating either

Focuses on the act of expecting one of the two options.

FAQs

How can I use "Prior to either" in a sentence?

Use "Prior to either" to indicate that something must happen before one of two options occurs. For example, "Prior to either decision being finalized, all stakeholders must be consulted".

What is a simple substitute for "Prior to either"?

A simpler substitute is "before either". It conveys the same meaning with fewer words.

Is there a difference between "Prior to either" and "Before either"?

While both phrases are very similar, "Prior to either" is slightly more formal than "before either". The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

When is it incorrect to use "Prior to either"?

It's incorrect to use "Prior to either" when referring to more than two options. In such cases, use a phrase like "prior to all" or "before any" instead.