before communications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before communications" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time period or context prior to any form of communication taking place. Example: "We need to establish our goals before communications begin with the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

In a world before communications networks, the Fourth Amendment protected the inside of your home, but it didn't apply outside.

The New Yorker

"The issue right now is between C.M.S. and the White House," a specialist said Friday before communications improved.

The New York Times

If our simulated attack had been an actual disaster, people might have died before communications were restored.

The New York Times

A problem of practical interest in designing any network is to determine how many "broken" links can be tolerated before communications begin to fail.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It had begun to make a steep descent at a rate of 6,000 feet per minute shortly before communications were lost.

The Guardian

The government acknowledged that 10 people had died, though reporters who spoke to people there before communications were cut said there were reports of scores of fatalities as the police shot into the crowd.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"There have been donors in the cabinet before… but there hasn't been such a large number of them at one time before," Adam Smith, communications director of the campaign finance reform group Every Voice, told me.

Vice

Finally, the lander came to rest just before the communications window closed for the night.

The Guardian

Ms. Victory is the administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and is its policy representative before the communications commission.

The New York Times

Because that very first contact, before encrypted communications are established, is enough to give it all away".

The Guardian

As I've written before, digital communications methods do not have an off-the-hook option, as landline phones did in the years before answering machines.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before communications", ensure the context clearly indicates what actions or conditions existed prior to the exchange of information. This clarifies the sequence of events and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "before communications" when you actually mean "during communications". The phrase specifically refers to the period preceding any exchange, not concurrent activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before communications" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate a time or state preceding any form of communication. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before communications" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase to indicate a time or state preceding any form of communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. Alternatives such as "prior to communication" or "ahead of communication" can be used to vary the phrasing. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the sequence of events to avoid ambiguity. The phrase is suitable for neutral and formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to communication

Replaces "before" with "prior to", offering a slightly more formal tone.

ahead of communication

Uses "ahead of" to indicate a point in time preceding the act of communication.

preceding communication

Employs "preceding" as a synonym for "before", emphasizing the sequential order.

in advance of communication

Suggests acting or occurring earlier than the communication.

leading up to communication

Highlights the period or events that precede the communication.

previous to communication

Offers a formal alternative to "before", indicating a time before communication.

anteprior to communication

Implies a more distant time before communication.

in anticipation of communication

Focuses on preparing or expecting that communication will occur.

until communication

Indicates the time leading up to the commencement of communication.

pending communication

Highlights a state of waiting for communication to be initiated.

FAQs

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

You can use "before communications" to describe actions or conditions that existed prior to any form of contact. For example, "The data was encrypted "before communications" were initiated to protect sensitive information."

What are some alternatives to "before communications"?

Alternatives include "prior to communication", "ahead of communication", or "preceding communication". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "prior to communications" instead of "before communications"?

Yes, "prior to communications" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "before communications". It is often perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "before communication" and "before communications"?

While both are technically acceptable, "before communications" is generally preferred when referring to multiple instances or methods of exchanging information. "Before communication" might be used when referring to a single, specific act of communicating, though it is less common.