as prelude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as prelude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something serves as an introduction or preliminary part to a larger event or discussion. Example: "As prelude to the main event, the speaker shared a personal story that set the tone for the evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Those games, tense as a stretched rubber band, serve as prelude for another competition.

The New York Times - Sports

The two decades Gandhi spent in South Africa are too often seen merely as prelude.

The New York Times - Books

But it served as prelude for some of the darker ones.

The New Yorker

If you want to call it happiness: more like communion and contentment as prelude to suffering.

The New York Times - Books

That's not the kind of thing you say as prelude to doing nothing.

The Guardian

As prelude to the baring of O'Neill's demons in "Long Day's Journey," "Electra" is historically important.

The New York Times

For Chicago politicians, it seems, breaking the law can serve as prelude to a seat before the microphone.

The New York Times

MONK (USA, Friday) Eight new episodes as prelude to an eighth and final season beginning next fall.

The New York Times - Arts

The first issue deals with renovating, altering and preserving old structures, under the rubric "History as Prelude".

The New York Times

Then, a year ago, the company produced a well-received preview program as prelude to the imminent double bill.

The New York Times - Arts

Philosophy is often introduced through its history, beginning with Socrates, who banished the weeping women, as prelude to the real business of philosophizing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as prelude" to clearly signal that an event, action, or discussion is setting the stage for something more significant. It helps to establish context and anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "as prelude" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "before" or "to start with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as prelude" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often introducing a clause that describes a preliminary action or event. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to set the stage for something more significant, adding context and anticipation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as prelude" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating that something serves as an introduction or preparation for a subsequent event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, particularly in formal contexts such as news media, science, and business. While versatile, it is best suited for scenarios where emphasis is placed on the introductory nature of an action or event. Consider alternatives like "as preparation" or "as an introduction" to achieve a similar effect with nuanced differences. Avoid using "as prelude" in casual conversation where it may sound overly formal. The phrase is frequently used in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as preparation

Emphasizes the preparatory aspect, focusing on the actions taken to get ready.

as an introduction

Highlights the role of introducing or setting the stage.

as a forerunner

Implies that something precedes and indicates the arrival of something else.

as a precursor

Stresses that something comes before and influences what follows.

as a starting point

Focuses on the beginning or initial stage of something.

as an overture

Similar to a musical prelude, suggesting a brief introduction.

as a warm-up

Implies a preparatory activity before a main event.

in anticipation of

Highlights the expectation and preparation for something coming.

in advance of

Simply indicates that something happens before something else.

to pave the way for

Focuses on clearing obstacles or making something easier for what follows.

FAQs

How can I use "as prelude" in a sentence?

You can use "as prelude" to introduce an action or event that precedes something more important. For example, "As prelude to the main course, we were served a delicious appetizer."

What phrases are similar to "as prelude"?

Similar phrases include "as preparation", "as an introduction", or "as a forerunner". These alternatives can add nuance depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "as prelude" in all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "as prelude" is more suited for formal writing or situations where you want to emphasize the preparatory nature of an event. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferable.

What's the difference between "as prelude" and "before"?

"Before" simply indicates a temporal sequence, while "as prelude" suggests that the initial event is setting the stage or preparing for something more significant. Using "as prelude" implies a connection and anticipation that "before" might lack.