before him

USAGE SUMMARY

"before him" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate something happening or existing ahead of or in front of someone. For example: "The crowd parted before him as he walked through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything was before him.

The New Yorker

The biggest challenge before him?

The New York Times - Arts

Yeltsin had alternatives before him.

The New Yorker

Before him traditional values obtained.

The New Yorker

Nor did those before him.

The New York Times

A son died before him.

The New York Times

His backpack bobbed before him.

The New York Times - Travel

Waiters and receptionists grovel before him.

The Economist

I am just a mosquito before him".

The New Yorker

He swam towards the lights before him.

The New Yorker

There was no path before him".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "before him" to clearly indicate a position, order, or sequence relative to a specific male individual, ensuring that the context makes the referent clear.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the pronoun "him" clearly refers to a specific, previously mentioned male individual. If the context is unclear, rephrase to specify the person.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before him" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location, order, or circumstance. Ludwig examples illustrate various uses, such as indicating a physical object in someone's line of sight or a task needing to be done.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

5%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before him" is a common prepositional phrase used to indicate position, precedence, or a task at hand, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis. It's grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness and usability in written English, ensuring clarity and proper pronoun reference. While versatile, writers should ensure the pronoun "him" clearly refers to a specific male individual to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "in his presence" or "ahead of him" may be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in front of him

Highlights a position directly facing him.

ahead of him

Emphasizes a position that is further forward than him.

in his presence

Indicates being physically located in the same space as him.

preceding him

Focuses on coming before him in a sequence or order.

in anticipation of him

Highlights expecting or awaiting his arrival or actions.

in his view

Indicates something within his line of sight.

for him to see

Emphasizes the act of him observing something.

under his gaze

Focuses on being observed or scrutinized by him.

in advance of him

Highlights moving or acting prior to him.

facing him

Emphasizes a direct confrontation or opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "before him" in a sentence?

Use "before him" to indicate position, precedence, or anticipation. For example, "The path "lay before him", promising adventure."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "before him"?

Consider alternatives like "in his presence", "ahead of him", or "in front of him" depending on the intended nuance.

Is there a difference between "in front of him" and "before him"?

"In front of him" typically refers to a physical position, while "before him" can also imply precedence or a task to be faced. They are often interchangeable, but the best choice depends on the specific context.

When should I use "before him" instead of "before her" or "before them"?

Use "before him" specifically when referring to a single male individual. Use "before her" for a single female and "before them" for a group of people or individuals of unspecified gender.