before getting underway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before getting underway" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a point in time prior to the start of an activity or event. Example: "We need to finalize the agenda before getting underway with the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Ever cautious, McClellan squandered much of his advantage by waiting more than 17 hours before getting underway.

The New York Times

I have argued that you that you don't want to spend too much time planning or doing a lot of research, before getting underway.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Before got underway, the crews had a chance to change their tyres to a set with a more suitable compound.

Wikipedia

The typhoon delayed the task force for only a day, as the ships weathered the fringes of the storm at Subic Bay before again getting underway soon thereafter.

Wikipedia

The plan, however, failed before it got underway.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Catch up with old friends and make new ones before summer gets underway and people leave town for vacation.

Harvard University

Experienced negotiators understand the importance of identifying their best alternative to a negotiated agreement, or BATNA, before talks get underway.

Harvard University

Just before we get underway, Beyoncé's popped a new song online with her producer man, BOOTS.

The Guardian - Music

AMC have already committed to a third season, so before it gets underway, put the forthcoming DVD on the Christmas list.

The Guardian

By its essential nature, immunity extinguishes liability before litigation gets underway, just as a vaccine immunizes the patient against disease, and thus differs from a "defense" to liability.

Columbia University

However, before voting got underway at the Fifa Congress, Gill was welcomed up on stage by Blatter to present him as the new vice-president, with the sense of farce quickly spreading through the world's media.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing; while "before getting underway" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "prior to commencement".

Common error

Avoid using "before getting underway" when the 'underway' action is vague or unclear. Always specify the event or process that is about to start to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before getting underway" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the temporal relationship of one action preceding another. It sets a time frame for actions that occur in preparation or anticipation of a main event, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before getting underway" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates actions taken prior to the commencement of an event or task. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's best used in contexts where the impending action is clear. While it maintains a neutral tone, consider using more formal alternatives like "prior to commencement" in professional or academic settings. Its frequency is relatively rare, but it is understandable given its register and specific usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before starting out

Emphasizes the act of beginning a journey or task.

prior to commencement

This alternative uses more formal language to indicate a time before something begins.

in advance of beginning

Highlights the preparatory aspect of doing something before starting.

ahead of the start

This alternative emphasizes the temporal aspect of being before the beginning.

prior to setting off

Suggests a departure or the beginning of a journey.

in anticipation of starting

This phrase highlights the expectation and preparation leading up to the beginning.

before embarking on

Implies the start of a significant or adventurous undertaking.

previous to initiating

Uses more formal verbs to convey the sense of something happening before initiation.

preceding the launch

Implies a more formal or structured beginning, like a product or project launch.

leading up to commencement

Focuses on the period just before the beginning, indicating a build-up.

FAQs

How can I use "before getting underway" in a sentence?

You can use "before getting underway" to indicate actions taken prior to the commencement of an event or task. For example: "We need to finalize the agenda before getting underway with the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "before getting underway"?

Alternatives include "prior to commencement", "ahead of the start", or "before starting", depending on the formality and context.

Is "before getting underway" formal or informal?

"Before getting underway" sits in a neutral register. For more formal contexts, consider phrases like "prior to commencement". In informal settings, "before starting" is suitable.

What's the difference between "before getting underway" and "before starting"?

While both indicate a time preceding an action, "before getting underway" often implies a more significant process or event is about to begin, whereas "before starting" is more general and can apply to smaller tasks.