before setting off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before setting off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate actions or preparations that should be completed prior to beginning a journey or activity. Example: "Make sure to check the weather forecast before setting off on your road trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has also raised questions about what security measures the politicians took before setting off.

Independent

It was just the kind of boost Mr Blair needed before setting off on his holidays.

The Economist

Before setting off for Libya, Dornstein sat his children down for dinner.

The New Yorker

"Every day before setting off for work, I give my three children a big hug.

Independent

Traders load their guns before setting off to do business, for fear of highwaymen.

The Economist

"We're doing as well as anybody," Mr. Santorum said before setting off for rallies in Oklahoma.

The New York Times

She also admitted leaving her passport in Pakistan before setting off.

The Guardian

Before setting off, I poked holes in the nappies to accommodate her tail.

The Washington Post

Before setting off for battle, Dany resumed her knee-bending negotiations with Jon Snow.

The New York Times - Arts

John Mortimer wrote the TV scripts before setting off to the Old Bailey.

The Guardian

Before setting off on the journey Beckham is filmed being given advice by his wife Victoria.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before setting off", ensure the context clearly indicates the destination or purpose of the journey. For example, "Before setting off for the summit, check your equipment."

Common error

Avoid using "before setting off" when the context refers to a general action rather than a specific journey or activity. Instead of saying "Before setting off to work every day, I drink coffee", use "Before going to work every day, I drink coffee".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before setting off" functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing a clause that specifies the timing of an action in relation to a departure. It modifies the main verb by indicating when the action should occur, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before setting off" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to describe actions taken in preparation for a journey or significant activity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions to advise, instruct, or inform, emphasizing the importance of preparation. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news articles to travel blogs. Remember to use it when referring to specific journeys or activities, and explore alternatives like "prior to departure" or "before starting out" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just before leaving

Simple and direct, emphasizing the immediate time frame.

before starting out

Focuses on the commencement of an activity or journey.

before heading out

More casual and focuses on the act of leaving.

prior to departure

More formal and emphasizes the act of leaving.

ahead of embarking

Emphasizes the beginning of a journey or venture, slightly more formal.

preparatory to leaving

Formal and highlights the act of preparing.

in preparation for departure

Highlights the preparatory aspect before leaving.

leading up to the journey

Focuses on the period of time immediately preceding the trip.

in anticipation of the trip

Focuses on the excitement and planning before the journey.

on the eve of departure

More literary and emphasizes the night before leaving.

FAQs

How can I use "before setting off" in a sentence?

Use "before setting off" to describe actions taken in preparation for a journey or task. For instance, "Before setting off, make sure you have all the necessary supplies."

What can I say instead of "before setting off"?

You can use alternatives like "prior to departure", "before starting out", or "just before leaving depending on the context.

Which is correct, "before setting off" or "before to set off"?

"Before setting off" is the correct and grammatically sound phrase. "Before to set off" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "before setting off" and "before leaving"?

While both phrases indicate a preparatory action, "before setting off" often implies a more deliberate preparation for a journey or significant activity, whereas "before leaving" is more general.