before either

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before either" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing two options or scenarios that need to be considered prior to making a decision or taking action. Example: "You should think carefully about your options before either accepting the job offer or declining it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Repeat "through" or place it before "either".

The New York Times

"I hadn't played mixed doubles before either".

The Guardian - Sport

Before either of them was famous, that is.

The New York Times

A long moment passes before either of us speaks again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Three minutes passed before either team scored another basket.

The New York Times - Sports

"Before either of us was sick or dying.

The New York Times

He set a minimum term of 25 years before either parent was eligible for parole.

The Guardian

This went on for ages before either of them said anything about it.

The New Yorker

The media had long given up on the race before either of them pulled out.

The Guardian

H E died before either of us turned our lives around," said Mr. Milch.

The New York Times - Arts

The author invents a policeman with detective abilities, some years before either existed.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before either", ensure that the two options being compared are clearly defined and relevant to the context. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "before either" when referring to more than two options. The phrase is specifically designed to compare two distinct choices or possibilities. For scenarios involving three or more options, consider using phrases like "before any of them" or "before all of them".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before either" functions as a temporal conjunction, indicating that an event or action precedes two specified alternatives. Ludwig shows its correct grammatical structure in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before either" correctly indicates that an action or event precedes two specific alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While it's essential to use "before either" only when comparing two options to avoid ambiguity, several alternatives like "prior to either" and "ahead of either" can provide nuanced variations. As highlighted by Ludwig's examples, this phrase serves to establish chronological order and is broadly applicable in various writing styles, maintaining a neutral to professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Before either one

Adds emphasis to the individual consideration of each option.

Prior to either

Emphasizes a formal tone and replaces "before" with "prior to".

Ahead of either

Suggests a sense of being in front or leading up to both options.

Previous to either

Similar to "prior to", but with a slightly different emphasis on sequence.

Preceding either

Emphasizes a direct sequence of events, one coming directly before the other

In advance of either

Highlights preparation or planning before both options.

Earlier than either

Directly compares the timing relative to both options.

Until either

Focuses on the duration leading up to the occurrence of either option.

Sooner than either

Indicates a preference for an earlier occurrence.

Ere either

Archaic form of "before", adding a formal or literary tone.

FAQs

How to use "before either" in a sentence?

Use "before either" to indicate something happening prior to two options. For example, "You should check the weather "before either" going to the beach or going for a hike."

What can I say instead of "before either"?

You can use alternatives like "prior to either", "ahead of either", or "previous to either" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "before either" or "before any"?

"Before either" is used when referring to two options, while "before any" is used when referring to three or more options.

What's the difference between "before either" and "before both"?

"Before either" implies that something happens before one of two options occurs, whereas "before both" suggests it happens before both options occur simultaneously or sequentially.