before ordering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before ordering" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to a specific time or action that should be done before placing an order for something. Example: "Before ordering your meal, make sure to check the menu for any special offers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bottom line is that the president must receive judicial input before ordering the death of an American citizen.

The New York Times

Hold a minute before ordering.

The New York Times - Food

Consider that before ordering the seafood frittata".

The New York Times - Food

Before ordering in a pizza".

The Guardian - Books

"There was smoke everywhere," he recounted, before ordering a cognac.

Independent

and show the card to my waiter before ordering.

The New York Times - Travel

Even when the room is half full, some will consider leaving before ordering even a chip.

The New York Times - Food

Quiz the waiter before ordering, since the best bets seem to be the marquee local foods.

The New York Times

Or Henry VIII admiring a Holbein portrait right before ordering another innocent to the executioner's axe.

The New Yorker

It specifically rebuked Rockefeller for not personally visiting the prison before ordering its retaking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our waitress, who doubled as the sommelier, encouraged us to sample wines before ordering.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before ordering", clearly specify the action or information that should precede the order. This ensures clarity and prevents misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "before ordering" without specifying what needs to be done beforehand. For example, instead of just saying "Think before ordering", specify "Think about your budget before ordering" to provide a clear instruction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before ordering" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and common. It often introduces a condition or action that must precede the act of ordering.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before ordering" is a grammatically sound and widely used prepositional phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to specify a necessary action or consideration prior to making a purchase or request. It's prevalent in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, maintaining a generally neutral register. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly state what action should be taken before the ordering occurs to avoid ambiguity and ensure the user knows exactly what to do. Remember to avoid omitting the necessary action that has to be performed ahead of ordering to be crystal clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before you order

More direct and conversational.

prior to placing an order

More formal and emphasizes the act of placing an order.

until you order

More direct and conversational, focuses on the moment ordering occurs.

ahead of ordering

Slightly less common, focusing on the timing relative to the order.

in advance of ordering

Similar to "prior to", but with a stronger sense of planning.

preliminary to ordering

Formal, emphasizing actions taken as a preparation step.

pre-ordering

Implies an action done specifically to prepare for ordering.

leading up to ordering

Emphasizes the process or events that occur before ordering.

until ordering

Indicates a duration or condition leading up to the ordering action.

on the verge of ordering

Suggests being very close to the point of placing an order.

FAQs

What does "before ordering" mean?

The phrase "before ordering" means prior to placing an order for something. It indicates that a certain action or consideration should occur before the order is finalized.

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

You can use "before ordering" to give instructions or advice. For example: "Check the reviews "before ordering" online", or "Ensure you have the correct size "prior to placing an order"."

What can I say instead of "before ordering"?

You can use alternatives like ""prior to placing an order"", "ahead of ordering", or "in advance of ordering" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to specify what comes before when using "before ordering"?

Yes, it's best practice to specify the action or information needed before ordering. This clarifies what needs to be done and avoids ambiguity.