before embarking on a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before embarking on a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the preparation or considerations needed prior to starting a particular task or journey. Example: "Before embarking on a new project, it's essential to conduct thorough research and planning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a great question and one that most people never ask before embarking on a desired project.

HuffPost

Fly to Ontario with Air Canada rouge before embarking on a trip of a lifetime.

Independent

All in the final year before embarking on a career or for post-graduate studies.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is always a good idea before embarking on a time-consuming grant application.

Stanford University

What negotiators need to know before embarking on a new car negotiation.

Harvard University

"Well... ...... begins Amos with a smile, before embarking on a typically mazy but thoughtful answer.

Independent

They identified five questions that organisations need to ask themselves before embarking on a crowdfunding campaign.

The Guardian

On Wednesday, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond briefed Parliament before embarking on a trip to Israel.

The Washington Post

Mr. Riordan said that he always thought of his two sons before embarking on a project.

The New York Times - Books

He studied agricultural economics at Imperial College before embarking on a successful career as a businessman.

The Guardian

His fortune lost, he committed himself to an asylum, before embarking on a comeback.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "before embarking on a" to introduce a necessary consideration or preparation step. It adds a touch of formality and emphasizes forethought.

Common error

Avoid using "before embarking on a" in very informal contexts. Simpler phrases like "before starting" might be more appropriate for casual conversations or writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before embarking on a" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a dependent clause that specifies the timing or condition preceding a particular action or event. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

2%

Science & Research

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before embarking on a" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to highlight necessary preparations or considerations before initiating an action or project. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across diverse contexts, ranging from News & Media to Academia. It suggests thoughtfulness and planning and is well-suited for formal to neutral communication. When aiming for a less formal tone, consider alternatives like "before starting". The phrase's consistent usage and authoritative sources contribute to its high expert rating and reliability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before starting

A simpler and more direct alternative.

before undertaking

Emphasizes the commitment involved in the activity.

prior to commencing

More formal alternative, emphasizing the act of beginning.

before setting out on

Specifically refers to starting a journey or expedition.

before proceeding with

Emphasizes the continuation or advancement of an activity.

ahead of initiating

Highlights the preparatory aspect before initiation.

in preparation for

Focuses on the act of getting ready.

previous to beginning

Highlights the temporal order of events.

preparatory to

A more formal and less common alternative.

in anticipation of

Suggests expecting and preparing for something.

FAQs

How can I use "before embarking on a" in a sentence?

You can use "before embarking on a" to introduce an action or consideration that should precede a larger activity. For example, "Before embarking on a new project, it's essential to conduct thorough research."

What phrases are similar to "before embarking on a"?

Alternatives include "before starting", "prior to commencing", or "in preparation for", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "before embarking on a" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "before embarking on a" is appropriate for formal writing and adds a level of sophistication to your sentences. However, always consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

Can "before embarking on a" be used when discussing abstract concepts?

Yes, it can be used both for concrete activities like journeys and abstract concepts such as projects or plans. For example, "Before embarking on a course of treatment" or "Before embarking on a new philosophy".