before pursuing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before pursuing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a prerequisite action or consideration that should take place prior to engaging in a particular pursuit or activity. Example: "Before pursuing a new business venture, it's essential to conduct thorough market research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Both enrolled at the school before pursuing their photography careers).

The New York Times

Others choose to take time off before pursuing further degrees.

Cornell University

He worked in India and Indonesia before pursuing his doctorate.

Cornell University

He played as a young man in big bands before pursuing engineering.

The New York Times

The state laws were written to make people think twice before pursuing a divorce.

The New York Times

She explained initially having ambitions in the movie world before pursuing a modelling career.

Independent

What investigating magistrate would not now hesitate before pursuing politically sensitive cases?

The New York Times

She later studied art at Camberwell College in London before pursuing a music career.

The New York Times

He decided, he said, to wait until the crisis had abated before pursuing the matter.

The New York Times

Before pursuing his law degree, he attended Queens College and majored in political science.

The New York Times

Onyewu played two years at Clemson before pursuing a career in Europe.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve readability and make the text sound smarter, try using synonyms for "pursuing", like "embarking" or "undertaking".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining what must occur before "pursuing" the action. The order should be logically and grammatically clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before pursuing" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically introducing a clause that specifies a condition or action that must be completed prior to the main action in the sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

27%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before pursuing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that sets a temporal condition for an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and useful element in written English. While predominantly found in news, academic, and how-to guide contexts, writers should consider the register and choose simpler alternatives like "before doing" in informal settings. Pay attention to clearly defining the action preceding the pursuit to avoid ambiguity. Using synonyms such as "undertaking" or "embarking" can make the text more readable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to undertaking

Replaces "pursuing" with "undertaking", which has a more formal tone. The phrase is focused on preceding actions.

ahead of commencing

Uses synonyms for both "before" and "pursuing", creating a slightly more emphatic tone.

previous to engaging in

Emphasizes the engagement aspect of the activity, changing the active pursuing into a more passive participation.

in advance of starting

Focuses on starting an activity rather than the continuous action of pursuing it.

before embarking on

Adds a sense of adventure or commitment to the activity.

on the eve of undertaking

It highlights the imminence of the pursuit. It's also more emphatic.

preceding the start of

It's more literal way to express temporality. Useful to give a different kind of emphasis.

in preparation for undertaking

This alternative focuses on preparation rather than just timing.

preliminary to engaging in

Adds a sense of something that is done in anticipation for what comes next, a task.

as a prelude to undertaking

It focuses on suggesting that what is done before acts as an introduction or a precursor.

FAQs

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

Use "before pursuing" to indicate an action that should happen before another. For example, "Check the weather "before pursuing" outdoor activities".

What are some alternatives to "before pursuing"?

Alternatives include "prior to undertaking", "ahead of commencing", or "before embarking on", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "before pursuing"?

While grammatically correct, "before pursuing" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "before doing" might be more appropriate then.

What should I consider before pursuing a specific goal?

Think about the necessary preparations, potential risks, and required resources "before pursuing" it.