before it follows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before it follows" is not correct and does not make sense in standard written English.
It is unclear when or how this phrase could be used, as it contradicts itself. Example: "You must complete the task before it follows the deadline." (This example is awkward and confusing.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

As before, it follows that F ⊬ GB.

SEP

Hence − ϕ ( ∥ u ∥ ∞ 1 − x 0 ) ≤ C 3 ≤ 0. By a similar argument as before, it follows that u ≥ w on ( x 0, 1 ).

Boundary Value Problems

Summing up the above analysis (i - ii), and noti - iiep 2 of the proof andbefore, it follows that 0 < − ∂ G ( t, s ) ∂ t ≤ w 2 ( s ) for  s, t ∈ [ 0, 1 ), s ≠ t.

Boundary Value Problems

At best, Nick Fowler said, the Permian Basin has twenty-five more years before it follows the same dark path.

The New Yorker

A general pattern is that downslope flow in the better jointed "decompressed zone", which parallels the topography, may divert recharge from a higher to lower altitude before it follows the structural pathways into the tunnel.

Applied Geochemistry

Phil Libin, the CEO of note taking app Evernote, is sitting on a $1 billion valuation and plans for an IPO, and while it may be a while yet before it follows through on going public, today at LeWeb in London he revealed new numbers for just how much the service is getting used, and how much money different platforms are bringing into the pot.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Its route consisted of a freeway concurrency with Interstate 69 (I-69) from the state line north to the Lansing area before it followed its own freeway facility northward to St. Johns.

Wikipedia

As Kenneth Lapatin, a curator of antiquities at the Getty, notes in an essay in a forthcoming anthology about Pompeii, Getty went further, writing an (entirely fictitious) novella set in antiquity in which the Herakles had been taken to Italy from Greece, passing through the hands of both Nero and Hadrian before it "followed the sun westward to the New World".

The New York Times - Arts

PCR reactions used 0.2 2.0 ug DNA with the following thermocycling conditions: 94°C for 2 minutes; ten cycles of 94°C for 10 seconds, 52°C for 30 seconds and 68°C for 4 minutes; 25 cycles of 94°C for 10 seconds, 52°C for 30 seconds and 68°C for 4 minutes and 20 seconds, with each having an extension time 20 seconds longer than the one before it; followed by 68°C for 7 minutes and 4°C hold.

BMC Genomics

Cork's score, says Norris, is "much more difficult than anything I've been involved with before" because it follows Blythe's recorded material exactly.

The Guardian

The next generation of public policymakers will arguably have more experience of illegal drug culture than any before, so it follows that the debate on the subject will be more open and informed, with less inclination towards panicked knee-jerk policy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating a sequence of events, consider using clearer and more direct phrasing such as "before it happens" or "prior to it occurring" instead of the awkward phrasing "before it follows".

Common error

Avoid using "before it follows" when aiming for clear and concise writing. The phrase can sound unnatural and may confuse readers. Opt for simpler alternatives that directly express temporal relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before it follows" functions as a temporal prepositional phrase, indicating a point in time preceding a subsequent action or event. However, Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect and awkward, suggesting its infrequent and non-standard usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before it follows" is an uncommon and somewhat awkward way to express temporal precedence. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. While the intent is to establish a chronological order, clearer and more direct alternatives like "prior to it", "before it happens", or "before it occurs" are generally preferred. Its usage is primarily found in scientific and news contexts, though infrequent, suggesting it's better to opt for more standard phrasing in both formal and informal writing to ensure clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before it comes next

This alternative simplifies the structure and focuses on the sequence of events.

prior to its following

This alternative restructures the phrase to emphasize the temporal order with more formal language.

earlier than it does

This alternative is a shorter form that stresses the timing, focusing only on the temporal aspect.

in advance of it following

This alternative emphasizes preparation or anticipation of a subsequent action or event.

previously to its following

This variation explicitly states that something occurred at an earlier time.

preceding its occurrence

Using more formal and technical language, this option highlights the prior existence relative to a specific event.

before its continuation

This phrase highlights an interruption or pause before something continues.

in anticipation of it following

This choice highlights the expectation that something will occur after a preceding event.

leading up to it following

This alternative conveys a sense of preparation or progression toward a subsequent event.

ahead of its succession

This option focuses on being earlier in a series or sequence.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "before it follows" for better clarity?

For clearer alternatives, consider using phrases like "prior to it", "before it happens", or "before it occurs" depending on the specific context.

Is "before it follows" grammatically correct?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "before it follows" is an awkward phrasing that is not commonly used in standard English. Ludwig AI marks it as incorrect.

What's a more common way to express a temporal sequence than "before it follows"?

A more common way to express a temporal sequence is to use "beforehand", "previously", or "in advance", which provide clearer and more concise alternatives.

When is it appropriate to use "before it follows"?

The phrasing "before it follows" might be suitable in very specific, formal contexts where emphasizing a strict chronological order is crucial, though clearer alternatives are generally preferred.