before leaving

USAGE SUMMARY

"before leaving" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to indicate that something happened or was done before a particular action. For example: "I said goodbye to my family before leaving for my vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stay put before leaving.

WikiHow

Before leaving Yemen, I traveled to Aden.

The New York Times - Magazine

WASHINGTON — Before leaving this afternoon [Aug.

The New York Times

I'm sorry". before leaving.

The Washington Post

Before leaving, look down.

The New York Times - Travel

"This is unacceptable," he huffed before leaving.

The New York Times

Everyone gets patted down before leaving.

The New Yorker

– before leaving the house".

The Guardian - Tech

he says, before leaving again.

The Guardian

One last look before leaving.

The New Yorker

Check fuel gauge before leaving the department.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before leaving", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what action should be completed or considered prior to the act of leaving to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "before leaving" when the emphasis is on the act of leaving itself rather than the preceding action. In such cases, rephrase to focus on the departure, for example, use "upon departure" or a similar construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before leaving" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a dependent clause, typically indicating the timing or condition that must be met before the action of leaving can take place. Ludwig AI shows it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

20%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before leaving" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify actions or conditions preceding a departure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. As highlighted, it's frequently found in contexts ranging from News & Media to Academia, signifying its neutral register. For best practice, ensure clarity in what action is required before leaving to prevent any ambiguity. Alternatives like "prior to departure" may suit more formal contexts. Remember to avoid using "before leaving" when the emphasis should be on the departure itself. With a high expert rating, the phrase is deemed reliable and valuable in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to departure

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the act of departing.

just before going

This alternative is more casual and focuses on the act of going.

ahead of exiting

This alternative stresses the moment just before exiting a place.

before going away

This is a more general and less formal way to express the same idea.

preceding their exit

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the sequence of events.

prior to their departure

More formal and emphasizes the act of departing from a place or situation.

on the verge of departure

This phrase emphasizes the imminence of leaving.

leading up to leaving

This phrase highlights the period or actions that occur just before departure.

in anticipation of leaving

This phrase highlights the preparation or expectation associated with leaving.

before one's absence

Focuses on the time preceding someone's absence.

FAQs

How do I use "before leaving" in a sentence?

Use "before leaving" to indicate an action that must occur prior to someone's departure. For example, "Make sure to lock the door before leaving."

What are some alternatives to "before leaving"?

Alternatives include "prior to departure", "ahead of exiting", or "just before going", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to say "prior to leaving" or "before leaving"?

"Prior to leaving" is more formal, while "before leaving" is more common in everyday speech. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience.

What should I remember to do "before leaving" on a trip?

Important tasks "before traveling" include packing essentials, arranging transportation, and notifying your bank about your travel plans.