before sitting out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before sitting out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a time or condition that must be met prior to someone or something being excluded from an activity or event. Example: "Make sure to stretch properly before sitting out of the game to avoid injury."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He returned to play three times — notching seven assists in three victories — before sitting out another game.

The New York Times - Sports

David Lee took 18 shots, converting only five before sitting out the fourth quarter.

The New York Times - Sports

He played three games before sitting out the next two months after doctors advised him to rest.

The New York Times - Sports

McDyess had never played fewer than 70 games before sitting out all but 10 games last season.

The New York Times - Sports

He started 18 of 25 games before sitting out Wednesday's 94-89 ovictory victoverover George Washington.

The New York Times - Sports

He sat out the first 54 games, then returned for 10 games before sitting out the rest of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

On Friday, Lin finished with 13 points, 5 assists and 3 turnovers in nearly 26 minutes before sitting out the fourth quarter.

The New York Times

Aardsma saved 69 games for Seattle from 2009 to 2010 before sitting out the 2011 season with hip and elbow operations.

The New York Times - Sports

NUMBER TO WATCH: 5.7 Arizona running back Beanie Wells averaged 5.7 yards per carry in his first two games before sitting out last week with a hamstring injury.

The New York Times

HEAT 99, ROCKETS 66 Dwyane Wade had 17 points and 7 assists before sitting out the fourth quarter in host Miami's first victory after five straight losses.

The New York Times

CELTICS 105, BOBCATS 88 Paul Pierce had 14 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds before sitting out the fourth quarter, and Boston won its 11th straight at home.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before sitting out" in sports writing, clearly specify the reason for the player's absence, such as an injury or strategic decision. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "before sitting out" when you mean "after sitting out". The phrase indicates an action taken before a period of inactivity, not the consequences following it.

Linguistic Context

Before sitting out functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a time clause, specifying the timing or condition preceding an act of temporary cessation. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "before sitting out" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe actions or conditions that precede a temporary pause in an activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media, particularly in sports contexts, where it often describes pre-emptive measures or strategic decisions. While "before sitting out" is generally neutral in tone, it's important to use it accurately to avoid tense confusion, ensuring it reflects an action before inactivity, not after. Alternatives such as "prior to taking a break" and "ahead of resting" offer nuanced ways to express the same idea, while maintaining clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to taking a break

Replaces "sitting out" with the more general term "taking a break", emphasizing the act of pausing.

before taking leave

Focuses on the act of departing or taking leave from an activity.

prior to pausing the activity

Replaces "sitting out" with "pausing the activity", which is more generic and applicable to various contexts.

ahead of resting

Focuses on the subsequent rest period, highlighting what comes after the action.

before suspending play

Suggests a temporary halt in an activity, particularly in sports or games.

preceding their absence

Shifts the focus to the absence that follows, rather than the act of stopping.

previous to ceasing participation

A more formal alternative, replacing "sitting out" with "ceasing participation" to increase formality.

in advance of standing down

Implies a more formal or official withdrawal from a duty or activity.

in anticipation of withdrawal

Emphasizes the expectation or planning involved before stopping.

leading up to abstaining

Highlights the actions that occur immediately before one abstains from an activity.

FAQs

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

The phrase "before sitting out" is typically used to indicate an action or condition that occurs prior to someone temporarily ceasing participation in an activity. For example, "The player stretched /s/before+sitting+out to avoid cramping" or "He completed his shift /s/before+sitting+out the remainder of the game".

What does "before sitting out" mean?

The phrase "before sitting out" means performing an action or reaching a state just before temporarily ceasing participation in an activity, often due to injury, strategy, or rest.

What are some alternatives to "before sitting out"?

Alternatives to "before sitting out" include phrases like "prior to taking a break", "ahead of resting", or "before suspending play", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "prior to sitting out" instead of "before sitting out"?

Yes, "prior to sitting out" is grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably with "before sitting out", though it carries a slightly more formal tone.