ahead of using

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ahead of using" is not correct in standard written English.
It is unclear and does not convey a clear meaning in context. Example: "We need to plan ahead of using the new software to ensure a smooth transition."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yield: Makes 1 1/2 cups Advance preparation: You can make a b?amel up to a day ahead of using it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We're just scratching the surface of interactive technology, but we know our students are way ahead of us -- using Google Hang Outs, Skype and other platforms to interact personally.

Huffington Post

Have a listen ahead of release using the player below and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

The Guardian - Music

You can listen ahead of release using the player below – do let us know your thoughts in the comments!

The Guardian - Music

Have a listen to it, ahead of release, using the widget below and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

The Guardian - Music

If the interaction type (e.g., charge, size) is not known ahead of time, using the unreduced alphabet can provide useful results and should be safer than making an uninformed choice of reduced alphabet.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The mobile app could be an additional aspect of this overall platform, which can also optionally be white-labeled ahead of use by event hosts.

TechCrunch

However, when asked to make a trade-off between a product they could use shortly after application but was less viscous, similar to KY Jelly, compared to a thicker, more viscous product with less leakage that would require application several hours ahead of use to be effective, we saw differences according to relationship status consistent with the quantitative data.

Plosone

You can listen to the album ahead of release using the player below.

The Guardian - Music

Submit your questions ahead of time using the form below and return here to follow the conversation once it begins.

The New York Times

"If we can effectively map structural permeability well ahead of drilling, using existing data sets, we can effectively de-risk the drilling process and bring the cost down".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating that something should be done before using another item or service, prefer using "before using" or "prior to use" for clarity and grammatical correctness. This ensures your writing is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "ahead of using" as it is grammatically unconventional. Instead, opt for established alternatives like "before using" or "prior to use" to maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ahead of using" functions as a prepositional phrase intended to indicate a temporal relationship, specifically something done or prepared before an action. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not considered standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "ahead of using" might appear in various texts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It's better to opt for clearer and more accepted alternatives such as "before using" or "prior to use". These alternatives provide the same meaning with enhanced clarity and grammatical correctness. Usage patterns show its limited occurrence across different contexts, making it a less preferred choice in formal writing. Therefore, sticking to established phrases ensures effective communication and avoids potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before using

Replaces "ahead of" with the simpler "before", maintaining a direct temporal relationship.

prior to use

Uses a more formal tone with "prior to", implying a necessary precursor to usage.

in advance of use

Similar to "ahead of", but emphasizes the preparatory aspect with "in advance".

before the application of

Offers a more descriptive and formal substitution for "using".

preparatory to using

Uses "preparatory to" to highlight the act of preparing before usage.

in preparation for use

Emphasizes the preparation phase before use.

leading up to its use

Highlights the period leading to the point of usage.

preceding use

Uses the more concise "preceding" to denote what comes before use.

in anticipation of using

Suggests expectation and preparation for future use.

before the time of use

Specifies the temporal aspect more explicitly.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "ahead of using"?

You can use alternatives like "before using", "prior to use", or "in advance of use" depending on the context.

Is "ahead of using" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "ahead of using" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "before using" or "prior to use".

How can I use "before using" in a sentence?

You can structure your sentence like this: "Please read the instructions before using the device." This clearly indicates the sequence of actions.

What's the difference between "ahead of using" and "prior to use"?

While both aim to indicate something done earlier in time, "prior to use" is a more formal and grammatically accepted way to express the same idea. "Ahead of using" is not standard usage.