before closing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before closing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate actions or considerations that should take place prior to the act of closing something, such as a document, a meeting, or a transaction. Example: "Please ensure that all necessary documents are signed before closing the deal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Management lets them play for free just before closing.

Los Angeles Times

Think twice before closing smaller medical facilities.

Harvard Business Review

The  selection often dwindles by mid-afternoon, hours before closing.

The New York Times

Three weeks before closing, the waters were muddied even further.

The New York Times

It was a few minutes before closing time.

The New Yorker

It even turned a modest profit before closing in 1951.

The New York Times

By 11 a.m., hours before closing time, they were.

The New York Times

Are you doing your due diligence before closing the deal?

Harvard Business Review

The buyer must receive it three business days before closing.

The Washington Post

This he opened, glancing briefly outside before closing it again.

The Guardian

But yesterday, it dipped under $1, before closing at $1.03.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In instructional content, clearly sequence steps with "before closing" to ensure users understand the order of operations.

Common error

Avoid using future tense after "before closing"; the action described by "before closing" must logically precede the act of closing. Instead of writing, "Check the data before closing, you will not be able to revert", write "Check the data before closing; you will not be able to revert".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before closing" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating a temporal relationship. It specifies the timing of an action or event in relation to the act of closing something, whether it's a file, a business deal, or a physical space. Ludwig AI confirms the common and correct use of this phrase across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before closing" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase, indicating actions or states that should occur prior to a final action or conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across diverse contexts, from News & Media to scientific papers and Wiki guides. While it maintains a generally neutral tone, formality can be adjusted with synonyms like "prior to closing". When using "before closing", ensure correct tense sequencing and document preceding actions thoroughly, particularly in formal settings. In conclusion, its frequent usage and clarity make it a reliable choice for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to closing

Uses a more formal preposition, "prior to", instead of "before".

just before the closing

Adds emphasis to the timing, indicating very close proximity to the closing event.

ahead of closing

A shorter, more direct way of saying "before closing".

previously to closing

Synonymous, using "previously" to indicate something done before.

in advance of closing

Emphasizes the proactive nature of acting ahead of the closing.

preceding the closing

Formal and emphasizes the sequence of events.

leading up to closing

Focuses on the period of time before the closing.

in anticipation of closing

Highlights the expectation or preparation for the closing.

in the run-up to closing

Describes a period of preparation and activity before the closing.

on the eve of closing

Implies immediacy and the very near approach of the closing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "before closing" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "prior to closing", "preceding the closing", or "in advance of closing".

Is it always necessary to include a comma after "before closing"?

Whether to include a comma after "before closing" depends on the structure of the sentence. If "before closing" introduces an essential clause, no comma is needed. If it introduces a nonessential clause, use a comma.

What's the difference between "before closing" and "after opening"?

"Before closing" indicates actions that should occur before a final action or conclusion, while "after opening" indicates actions that follow an initial action or beginning. They represent opposite temporal sequences.

Can I use "before closing" in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "before closing" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts due to its straightforward and universally understood meaning. However, in highly formal settings, "prior to closing" might be preferred.