before going near

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before going near" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a precaution or consideration that should be taken prior to approaching something or someone. Example: "Make sure to check for any hazards before going near the construction site."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The doctor and his inspector put on white protective suits before going near the horse carriers.

The New York Times

Dr. Matthew instructed the nurse to douse the vomit with bleach before going near the patient.

The New York Times - Magazine

They had to shoot the body several times before going near because they were afraid it was booby-trapped.

Vice

Crawford accepted the award on Bancroft's behalf, but not before going near Davis and saying "Excuse me, I have an Oscar to accept".

Wikipedia

The best thing to do before you enter a corral or pasture is to ask the cattle owner before going near cattle.

WikiHow

Remove with detergent-free soap before going near the riot.[6] defer.add img); Wear glasses rather than contact lenses; tear gas behind contact lenses is unimaginable pain.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Install a valve and a gas regulator (1.9mm venturi expanding to 6" with a 3/4" outlet)on one outlet to reduce the pressure to near normal before going back to the gasifier to heat the reaction from the outside of the unit.

WikiHow

Lori Loomis, 38, always makes a list before going shopping near her home in Boerne, Tex., first by planning meals for the week, then by checking on the weekly discounts.

The New York Times

Before going anywhere near the lighting console learn the venue.

WikiHow

After the avalanche hit, the guide and two cooks managed to dig out one or two Australians before going to the nearest village to get help, Mr. Jingmei said.

The New York Times

As a near life long Coke drinker (preferably Mexican Coke, which is made with real sugar) I have always wanted to know precisely why some pours from a can or bottle into a tall glass filled with ice end with Coke foaming up over the side (as above) and going near flat before I even take the first refreshing sip.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before going near", ensure the context clearly indicates what potential risk or consideration warrants the precaution. For example, "Check the weather forecast before going near the coast."

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying what the subject should not approach "before going near". For example, instead of "Be careful before going near", write "Be careful before going near the construction site".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before going near" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a temporal sequence where caution or preparation is advised prior to approaching something. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in setting a condition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before going near" serves as a prepositional phrase used to express the need for caution or preparation before approaching something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable across various contexts, primarily in news and media, and Wiki entries. To maintain clarity, it's advisable to specify what should be avoided before approaching. For more formal situations, consider alternatives such as "prior to approaching". Overall, understanding these nuances will ensure effective communication and proper usage of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before nearing

A shortened version of the main query.

prior to approaching

Emphasizes the temporal order of events, focusing on the action of approaching.

before getting close to

Highlights the proximity aspect, indicating the need for action before physical closeness.

as a precaution before nearing

Explicitly states the precautionary nature of the action.

before venturing near

Adds an element of risk or uncertainty to the approach.

prior to drawing near

Emphasizes the action of drawing near and sets a more formal tone.

before coming into proximity of

A more formal and precise way of expressing nearness.

before getting within range of

Highlights the action before being close enough to the action to be effective or vulnerable.

before closing in on

Emphasizes movement towards and potential engagement.

before moving towards

Focuses solely on the direction of movement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "before going near" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use alternatives such as "prior to approaching" or "before coming into proximity of", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify what one should avoid before going near?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what one should avoid provides clarity and context. Omitting it can lead to ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Be careful before going near", specifying "Be careful before going near the edge" provides clearer guidance.

What's a simple way to replace "before going near" in everyday conversation?

In casual conversation, you could use phrases like "before getting close to" or "before nearing" to convey a similar meaning as "before going near".

When should I use "before going near" instead of "before touching" or "before handling"?

Use "before going near" when the concern is about proximity, not necessarily direct physical contact. If the concern is about physical interaction, "before touching" or "before handling" would be more appropriate.