before lunchtime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before lunchtime" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to the time of day before noon, or before lunch has been served. Example sentence: We need to finish preparing before lunchtime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

By day two, I was craving stewed prunes long before lunchtime.

The New Yorker

But his food sells out before lunchtime, and people have been known to camp overnight to ensure they get served.

The Guardian - Travel

Unfortunately, the following information won't make you feel any better: before lunchtime today, Canada's highest paid CEOs will have already earned what the average Canadian makes in a year, according to a new report.

Vice

Finally, before lunchtime, Mr. Angelides dismissed the executives.

The New York Times

"When we opened it up with the art handlers it was before lunchtime," Ms. Nagy recalled.

The New York Times - Science

I notice glasses of bubbly being poured before lunchtime, and why not?

The Guardian - Travel

Shortly before lunchtime the announcement came that the Pope's funeral would indeed take place on Friday.

The Guardian

You see, the problem was that I peeked in the cafeteria one day before lunchtime.

The New Yorker

We came here before lunchtime intending to spend an hour, and it is now nearing three in the afternoon.

The New Yorker

Murray gets treatment for his foot (there are worse images, but you probably don't want to see them before lunchtime).

The Guardian - Sport

BountyQuest's chief executive, Charles Cella, said that some of the submissions arrived before lunchtime on the site's opening day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "before lunchtime" to specify a timeframe in the morning, relating directly to the anticipated lunch period. For example, "The report needs to be submitted before lunchtime."

Common error

Avoid using "before lunchtime" when a more precise time is needed. Instead of saying "Call me before lunchtime", specify "Call me before 11:30 AM" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before lunchtime" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses by specifying a time frame. It indicates when an action or event should occur, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before lunchtime" is a common and grammatically sound way to denote a timeframe preceding the midday meal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "prior to lunch" exist for professional settings. Remember to use this phrase when setting deadlines or scheduling activities, ensuring clarity by specifying more precise times when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before the midday meal

A more descriptive and formal way of saying "before lunchtime".

prior to lunch

A more formal alternative using "prior to" instead of "before".

ahead of lunch

Uses "ahead of" to mean before, implying preparation or anticipation.

before noon

Refers to the time period preceding 12:00 PM, whereas "before lunchtime" is tied to the act of eating lunch.

leading up to lunch

Focuses on the period as it approaches lunchtime.

in the morning

Broader time frame encompassing the entire period from sunrise to noon, unlike the more specific "before lunchtime".

this morning

Specifies the current morning, differing from a general timeframe before lunch.

in the AM

A more informal way of referring to the time before midday.

in the forenoon

An older, somewhat archaic synonym for "before noon".

earlier today

Indicates a time earlier in the current day, without specifying relation to lunch.

FAQs

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

You can use "before lunchtime" to indicate a deadline or timeframe that ends before the midday meal. For example, "All applications must be submitted "before lunchtime"".

What's a more formal way to say "before lunchtime"?

A more formal alternative to "before lunchtime" is "prior to lunch". This phrase is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is there a difference between "before noon" and "before lunchtime"?

"Before noon" refers to the period before 12:00 PM, a specific time. "Before lunchtime", on the other hand, relates to the time before the act of eating lunch, which may vary. So, you can use "before noon" if you want to give a more specific time.

What are some alternatives to "before lunchtime"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in the morning" or "earlier today". Choose the option that best fits the situation.