before he embarks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before he embarks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a point in time prior to someone starting a journey or undertaking a new venture. Example: "She wanted to give him some advice before he embarks on his trip around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Mr Assad, known to dislike ambiguity, wants to know where a negotiation is going before he embarks on one.

The Economist

Before he embarks on any of these ideas, however, he is sticking with love songs.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Ackermann, several executives said, would like to put the trial behind him before he embarks on a serious courtship.

The New York Times

It might have been kinder on Hunter not to expose him to such a difficult, albeit polite, crowd before he embarks on a national tour.

Independent

It is similarly narrated by Ewan McGregor – perhaps gathering his energies before he embarks on Trainspotting 2 – and is another stately and satisfying delight.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But before he embarks on his years of 'third-age' freedom, he has to go through the awful ritual of a farewell dinner with hilariously terrible speeches from an old colleague and his glib, young successor.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Accordingly, God is not responsible for the forces of evil, which were there before he embarked on the creative process.

Encyclopedia Britannica

— Before he embarked on a two-year mission for the Mormon Church, Sione Pouha heard all the horror stories.

The New York Times - Sports

It was there that Charles A. Lindbergh stayed the night before he embarked on his first trans-Atlantic flight.

The New York Times

His ESTA application for entry to the US had been approved before he embarked on his trip.

The Guardian

On one occasion the peer, who was a pig farmer before he embarked on a political career, was actually on a flight to India.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "before he embarks" to clearly indicate actions or considerations that should occur prior to starting a significant journey, project, or new phase in life. This ensures clarity and forethought in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "before he embarks" in extremely casual contexts where simpler phrasing like "before he starts" would be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before he embarks" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the timing of an action. It indicates that something must occur prior to the subject undertaking a journey or significant endeavor, as Ludwig illustrates.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before he embarks" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to express that something should happen prior to the commencement of a journey or significant undertaking. Ludwig AI indicates that it's suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "before he starts" or "prior to his departure" exist, "before he embarks" effectively conveys a sense of preparation and anticipation. Remember to consider your audience and desired level of formality when choosing between these options to ensure your writing is clear and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before he starts

A simpler and more direct synonym, replacing "embarks" with "starts".

before he begins

Similar to "before he starts", but slightly more formal.

prior to his embarking

Replaces "before" with a more formal prepositional phrase and uses the gerund form of "embark".

before his departure

Substitutes "embarks" with the noun "departure", focusing on the act of leaving.

before he sets out

Replaces "embarks" with the phrasal verb "sets out", offering a more casual tone.

before he commences

Replaces "embarks" with the more formal verb "commences".

before he undertakes

Replaces "embarks" with "undertakes", emphasizing the beginning of a project or task.

prior to his launch

Similar to "before his departure", but slightly more metaphorical, particularly for projects or initiatives.

ahead of his journey

Uses "ahead of" to indicate the time before a journey, replacing "embarks" with "journey".

in anticipation of his voyage

Expresses the idea with a focus on expectation and a more literary tone, replacing "before" with "in anticipation of" and "embarks" with "voyage".

FAQs

What does "before he embarks" mean?

The phrase "before he embarks" means prior to him beginning a journey, project, or significant undertaking. It sets a temporal boundary, indicating that something should happen before this commencement.

What can I say instead of "before he embarks"?

You can use alternatives like "before he starts", "before he begins", or "prior to his departure" depending on the context and level of formality.

How can I use "before he embarks" in a sentence?

You can use "before he embarks" to indicate a preparatory action. For example, "He wanted to gather all the necessary information before he embarks on the project".

Is "before he embarks" formal or informal?

"Before he embarks" leans towards a neutral to slightly formal register. While not overly stilted, simpler options like "before he starts" might be more suitable in very informal contexts.