before retiring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before retiring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate actions or considerations that should take place prior to someone retiring from a job or position. Example: "Make sure to finalize all your projects before retiring to ensure a smooth transition for your team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He worked in real estate before retiring.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Lewis practiced law in Princeton before retiring.

The New York Times

Should you retire your debt before retiring?

The Washington Post

Before retiring in 1950, he was commanding.

The New York Times

— They didn't pay down debt before retiring.

The Washington Post

He completed only 141 laps before retiring.

The New York Times - Sports

Engineer with Rosenwach Tank Company before retiring.

The New York Times

Imagined entry by Mr. Swope, before retiring.

The New Yorker

Brown started 35 games before retiring in 2005.

The New York Times - Sports

Both men worked at the same factory before retiring.

The New York Times

Geesink won his third world title in 1965 before retiring.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal documents, use "prior to retirement" for a more formal tone.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating whose retirement you're referring to when using the phrase "before retiring", especially in contexts where multiple people are involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before retiring" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a timeframe or condition that precedes the act of retirement. It is typically used to modify a verb or noun, specifying when an action should be taken or a consideration made. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "before retiring" is a versatile and widely used prepositional phrase that clearly indicates actions or considerations that should occur prior to the act of retirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is most frequently found in news articles and academic texts, where it serves to provide a temporal reference for planning and preparation. While more formal alternatives exist, "before retiring" is generally accepted across various registers. Remember to ensure clarity regarding whose retirement is being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to retirement

This is a more formal and concise way of expressing the same idea, often used in official documents.

pre-retirement

A shorter, more direct way to refer to the period before retirement, often used as an adjective.

in anticipation of retirement

This phrase emphasizes planning and preparation for retirement.

in advance of retirement

Similar to 'prior to retirement', but may imply a greater degree of foresight.

leading up to retirement

This suggests a process or series of events that occur before retirement.

ahead of retirement

Emphasizes taking actions or making decisions early in preparation for retirement.

on the verge of retirement

This highlights the imminence of retirement.

as retirement approaches

Similar to 'leading up to retirement', but with a focus on the passage of time.

before leaving employment

This alternative replaces "retiring" with a more generic term for leaving work.

before cessation of work

A formal and less common substitute, focusing on the act of stopping work.

FAQs

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

Use "before retiring" to describe actions or preparations that should be completed prior to someone's retirement. For example, "It is crucial to settle all financial matters "before retiring"."

What are some alternatives to "before retiring"?

Some alternatives include "prior to retirement", "in anticipation of retirement", or "leading up to retirement", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "before retiring" or "prior to retirement"?

"Before retiring" is more conversational, while "prior to retirement" is more formal. Choose the phrase that best suits the context and audience.

What housing considerations should I consider "before retiring"?

You should also think about housing considerations well "before retiring". Determine whether climbing stairs in a two-story house will remain sensible.