before setting out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before setting out" 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 task. Example: "Make sure to check the weather forecast before setting out on your hike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hotel reservations are necessary before setting out.

The New York Times - Travel

I always felt calm before setting out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You print your boarding passes before setting out.

The Economist

Check hours and plant availability before setting out.

The Washington Post

Before setting out we knew it would be remote.

The Guardian

He'll be checking his map carefully before setting out.

The Guardian

Jay-Z smiled before setting out for the night's concert.

The New York Times - Arts

Before setting out, I plotted my strategy carefully.

The New York Times - Travel

But before setting out, I wanted to practise.

The Guardian

Before setting out for a party, eat something so you don't arrive famished.

Harvard University

He warned drivers to take extra care and to check travel advice before setting out.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before setting out", clearly define the destination or purpose of the journey to provide context for the preparations being made. For example, "Before setting out for the interview, review your notes carefully."

Common error

Avoid vagueness by specifying what preparations are necessary. Don't just say "Before setting out, make sure you're prepared." Instead, state specifically what that preparation entails, such as "Before setting out, ensure you have all necessary documents and a fully charged phone."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before setting out" functions as a prepositional phrase or adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the timing of an action in relation to a departure or commencement of a task. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before setting out" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates actions to be completed prior to commencing a journey or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. It's important to provide clear context regarding the destination or purpose and to specify the necessary preparations. While alternatives such as "prior to departure" exist, "before setting out" maintains a versatile and widely accepted role in both formal and informal communication. The phrase helps establish clear expectations and highlight the importance of planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to departure

Emphasizes the time leading up to leaving a place.

before embarking

Focuses on the act of starting a journey or endeavor.

ahead of starting

Highlights the preparatory phase prior to initiating an activity.

in preparation for leaving

Stresses the actions taken to get ready for departure.

prior to commencing

Similar to "before embarking", but with a slightly more formal tone.

in advance of going

Emphasizes doing something with enough time before leaving.

before beginning the journey

Specifies that the action precedes the start of a trip.

preparatory to departing

A more formal way of saying "before leaving".

on the eve of departure

Suggests actions taken very close to the time of leaving.

leading up to the start

Focuses on the time and activities preceding the beginning of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "before setting out" to describe actions taken in preparation for a journey or task. For example, "Before setting out, check the weather forecast" or "Before setting out on the project, define your goals".

What are some alternatives to "before setting out"?

Alternatives include "prior to departure", "before embarking", or "ahead of starting". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "before setting out" and "before leaving"?

While similar, "before setting out" often implies a more deliberate preparation for a journey or task, whereas "before leaving" is a more general term for departing a place. "Before setting out" suggests a planned activity or trip, not just a simple departure. Therefore, "before leaving" is more appropriate.

What kind of preparations should I mention when using "before setting out"?

Mention preparations that are directly relevant to the journey or task at hand. This could include checking equipment, gathering information, or completing necessary paperwork. The key is to provide specific and helpful details, according to the context, like "Before setting out, ensure you have your map and compass".