before it is done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before it is done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a time frame or condition that must be met prior to the completion of a task or event. Example: "Make sure to review the document carefully before it is done to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I never quit a task before it is done.

Harvard Business Review

Having people reviewing your show before it is done is like eating chicken before it's cooked.

The New York Times

About 5 minutes before it is done, stir in garlic and begin to cook pasta.

The New York Times

But if the Americans wanted hard detail, the Iranians appear to want the opposite to keep things fuzzy for similar reasons: to keep their own hardliners from attempting to sabotage a deal before it is done.

The Economist

But I want to take this discussion beyond whistleblowing – beyond the past tense – to the present tense of objecting to the work one is required to do before it is done.

The Guardian - Opinion

3 Add a little more hot stock towards the end of the cooking time if the rice seems too dry and you hear crackly frying noises from the bottom of the pan before it is done, and cover the pan with a large piece of foil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Although McClellan had resigned two days before, it was done with all the amicability in the world.

Huffington Post

The Aziziye mosque on Stoke Newington Road, 1984, before it was done up to its current glory.

Vice

I was tired of it long before it was done.

The New York Times - Food

"I don't want anyone to guess what it is before it's done".

The New York Times - Arts

"I'll be gone from the face of the earth before it's done".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "before it is done", ensure clarity regarding what 'it' refers to. Specify the task or process to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "before it is done" when a more specific term clarifies the stage of completion. For example, instead of "review it before it is done", specify "review it before submission".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before it is done" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or condition preceding the completion of an action or process. Examples in Ludwig show its versatile usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before it is done" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial clause that sets a temporal boundary prior to the completion of an action. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's versatile across different contexts, from news media to wikis, though formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "prior to completion". While Ludwig confirms its correctness, remember to clarify the 'it' to maintain clarity and prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before it's finished

Uses a contraction of 'it is', creating a slightly more informal tone and employing a synonym for 'done'.

prior to completion

Replaces the entire clause with a prepositional phrase using a more formal vocabulary.

until it is completed

Emphasizes the duration leading to completion with a different verb.

before the task is finalized

Specifies "task" and replaces 'done' with "finalized", adding precision.

ahead of its completion

Uses a prepositional phrase focusing on the timing relative to completion.

previous to its finalization

A more formal phrasing, substituting 'done' with 'finalization'.

in advance of its accomplishment

Replaces 'done' with a more active term, 'accomplishment', and restructures the phrase.

preceding its conclusion

Substitutes 'done' with 'conclusion', implying a formal end.

earlier than its fulfillment

Emphasizes the temporal aspect, replacing 'done' with 'fulfillment'.

while it is still in progress

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the task before it reaches completion.

FAQs

How can I use "before it is done" in a sentence?

You can use "before it is done" to indicate a time frame or condition that must be met prior to the completion of a task or event. For example, "Make sure to review the document carefully "before it is done" to ensure accuracy".

What can I say instead of "before it is done"?

You can use alternatives like "prior to completion", "before it's finished", or "until it is completed" depending on the context.

Is "before it is done" formal or informal?

The phrase "before it is done" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "prior to completion" might be preferable in certain settings.

What's the difference between "before it is done" and "before it was done"?

"Before it is done" refers to a future or ongoing action, whereas "before it was done" refers to an action that has already been completed. For example, "Check the report "before it is done"" versus "I checked the report before "before it was done"".