before after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before after" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe a sequence of events or changes, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "The results of the experiment were documented before after the changes were implemented."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It has been done before, after all.

The New York Times

He has done likewise before, after all.

The Guardian - Sport

Medicine has changed before, after all.

The New York Times

They'd been there before, after all.

The Guardian - Sport

Before: After: Blend everything.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Design: Before-after tests.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Design: Before-after study.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Design: Before-after trial.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Design: Before-after training.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Design: Randomized, before-after trial.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Design: Before-after, experimental study.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "before and after" to ensure grammatical correctness when comparing situations or states. For example: "The "before and after" photos clearly showed the improvements."

Common error

Avoid using "before after" as a shortcut for "before and after". This omission creates an ungrammatical phrase that can confuse readers. Always include the conjunction to maintain clarity and correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before after" functions as a shortened, often incorrect, way to indicate a comparison between two states or periods. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is not grammatically sound. The correct form is "before and after".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

31%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before after" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. While it appears in various contexts, especially in science and news media, its use is often a shortened version of the correct phrase "before and after". As Ludwig AI highlights, the absence of the conjunction "and" makes the phrase ungrammatical and potentially confusing. For clarity and correctness, always use "before and after" or consider alternatives like "prior to and following" or "preceding and subsequent" in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before and after

Adds a conjunction to create a grammatically correct correlative phrase expressing comparison.

before versus after

Replaces "and" with "versus" to highlight a comparison or contrast between two states.

preceding and subsequent

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe a temporal sequence.

prior to and following

Employs formal terms to denote a sequence of events, emphasizing a change or process.

from start to finish

Expresses completeness and the entire duration of something.

in the past and now

Highlights a contrast between a previous state and the present.

formerly and currently

Uses formal terms to indicate a change in status or condition over time.

previously and afterwards

Emphasizes a chronological sequence, using distinct adverbs.

initial and final

Highlights the beginning and end states of a process or transformation.

at the beginning and end

Specifically refers to the start and conclusion of an event or period.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "before and after" in a sentence?

Use "before and after" to compare two different states or situations. For instance, "The "before and after photos" demonstrated the impact of the renovation."

What's wrong with saying "before after"?

The phrase "before after" omits the necessary conjunction "and", making it grammatically incorrect. It's better to use the complete phrase "before and after" to ensure clarity.

Are there formal alternatives to "before and after"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "prior to and following" or "preceding and subsequent" in formal contexts to describe a sequence of events.

Is "before after" ever acceptable?

While occasionally used, "before after" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Opt for "before and after" for correct usage.