before starting the interview

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before starting the interview" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a point in time prior to the commencement of an interview process. Example: "Before starting the interview, make sure to review the candidate's resume thoroughly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Before starting the interview the interviewer would introduce themselves, explain where they were calling from and the purpose of the interview, and ask for informed consent by saying: I would like to ask you permission to ask you a few questions regarding this.

BMC Public Health

The interviewer obtained informed written consent in person before starting the interview.

BMC Women's Health

Before starting the interview, have them complete the informed consent form (example here).

University of California, Berkeley

Before starting the interview, you may want to have them complete the informed consent form (example here).

University of California, Berkeley

("Just come tell me if you need me to pump," she said to an assistant before starting the interview).

The New York Times

Before starting the interview process, we created an interview guide based on our research questions.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The participants' consent was obtained before starting the interviews.

BMC Medical Education

Before starting the interviews, a pre-test was performed to ensure content validity of the interview guide.

BMC Family Practice

An interview guide was composed by the first author, based on the relevant literature and research experience and was tested with three outsiders before starting the interviews.

Human Resources for Health

To bracket preconceived assumptions, the first author wrote down her thoughts about the experience of being sick-listed before starting the interviews.

BMC Public Health

A pre-clinical interview is always recommended before starting the SCID1 interview.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before starting the interview" in research contexts, clearly outline what actions or procedures occur in this preliminary stage, such as obtaining informed consent or explaining the study's objectives.

Common error

Avoid vaguely stating actions occur "before starting the interview". Specify the exact tasks completed, like confirming the interview time, testing equipment, or reviewing the interviewee's background.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before starting the interview" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the temporal relationship of actions or procedures occurring prior to the commencement of an interview. Ludwig's examples show this phrase setting the stage for consent, explanations, or preparation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

Academia

22%

News & Media

17%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before starting the interview" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to denote actions preceding an interview. As shown by Ludwig, it's prevalent in scientific and academic contexts and used to introduce necessary preliminaries such as obtaining consent or setting objectives. While appropriate in most settings, more formal alternatives like "prior to commencing the interview" can enhance the tone. Remember to clearly specify actions done "before starting the interview" for clarity and avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in advance of the interview

A simpler and more direct substitution using "in advance of".

prior to the interview's start

A direct and straightforward substitution for "before starting".

prior to commencing the interview

Replaces "before starting" with a more formal alternative, "prior to commencing".

before the interview begins

Changes the phrase to a clause, clarifying the timing.

ahead of the interview commencement

Substitutes "before starting" with "ahead of", and uses "commencement" instead of "starting".

preparatory to the interview

Uses a more concise and formal alternative, emphasizing preparation.

preceding the interview's outset

Replaces "starting" with "outset" for a slightly more formal tone.

in anticipation of the interview's beginning

Uses a more elaborate phrasing to convey the same meaning, highlighting expectation.

leading up to the interview initiation

Focuses on the preparatory period before the interview begins.

on the eve of the interview

Implies the time is very close to the interview date

FAQs

What's the difference between "before starting the interview" and "prior to the interview"?

While both phrases indicate actions happening ahead of an interview, "before starting the interview" emphasizes the commencement action, whereas "prior to the interview" /s/prior+to+the+interview focuses on the time preceding it. They are largely interchangeable but can subtly shift emphasis.

How can I make "before starting the interview" sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "prior to commencing the interview" /s/prior+to+commencing+the+interview or "in advance of the interview" /s/in+advance+of+the+interview. These alternatives elevate the language and suit professional or academic contexts.

What should I do before starting the interview?

Before the interview, ensure all logistical details are confirmed (time, location, participants). Review the interview guide, gather necessary materials, and ensure a quiet, undisturbed environment to facilitate a smooth process. Obtaining informed consent is also crucial in many settings.

Is "before starting the interview" appropriate for all types of writing?

Yes, "before starting the interview" is generally appropriate for various writing styles. However, its formality can be adjusted based on the context. For casual settings, it's perfectly suitable. For more formal reports, consider alternatives like "prior to the interview". /s/prior+to+the+interview