before an audience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before an audience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to performing, speaking, or presenting in front of a group of people. Example: "The speaker felt nervous before an audience of hundreds at the conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

An interview with the controversial economist Steve Keen before an audience at the LSE.

BBC

He had never spoken before an audience.

The New York Times

She did — before an audience of 37 million people.

The New York Times - Magazine

A member of cast cries before an audience member.

The Guardian

He says he is never nervous before an audience.

The Guardian - Books

The Republican elders forced each rebel to explain himself before an audience of hostile colleagues.

The Economist

The architects made presentations to the jury before an audience of more than a hundred people.

The New Yorker

Interviewed before an audience of 200, he expanded on his pledge not to suppress his views.

Independent

LOS ANGELES — What's a little boob humor before an audience of millions?

The New York Times

It doesn't just happen inside you; it happens before an audience.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And never before had an audience of 130 million been treated to such an unflinching spectacle.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by sometimes using synonyms like "in front of a crowd" or "before spectators" to avoid repetition and add nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "before an audience" when the context implies something hidden or private. "In front of an audience" is generally suitable for performances and presentations; if the context is about revealing something, other phrasings are more adequate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before an audience" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the context in which an action (like performing or speaking) occurs. Ludwig highlights its common use in describing scenarios involving public presentation or performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before an audience" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe actions performed in the presence of a group of people. As highlighted by Ludwig, its function is primarily adverbial, specifying the context of a performance or presentation. The usage is considered correct, appearing most frequently in news and media, academic, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives exist, such as "in front of an audience", the phrase "before an audience" remains a versatile and widely understood option for conveying this meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in front of spectators

Replaces "audience" with the more general term "spectators".

before a crowd

Substitutes "audience" with "crowd", implying a larger and potentially less formal gathering.

in the presence of viewers

Uses "viewers" and "in the presence of" for a more observational nuance.

performing to spectators

Emphasizes the action of performing and uses "spectators" instead of "audience".

presenting to an assembly

Replaces "audience" with "assembly", suggesting a more formal gathering.

addressing listeners

Highlights the act of speaking and uses "listeners" instead of "audience".

appearing before onlookers

Uses "onlookers" to describe the audience as passive observers.

in full view of attendees

Highlights the visibility of the action to those attending.

with an assemblage watching

Emphasizes the collective nature of the viewing group.

facing a gathering

Focuses on the act of confronting a group of people.

FAQs

What does "before an audience" mean?

The phrase "before an audience" means to perform, speak, or present something in the presence of a group of people who are watching or listening.

How can I use "before an audience" in a sentence?

You can use "before an audience" to describe a situation where someone is performing or speaking to a group of people. For example, "The speaker felt nervous "before an audience" of hundreds at the conference."

What can I say instead of "before an audience"?

You can use alternatives like "in front of an audience", "before a crowd", or "in the presence of viewers" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "before an audience" or "in front of an audience"?

Both "before an audience" and "in front of an audience" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. However, "before an audience" can sometimes imply a more direct and intentional presentation or performance.