before starting to write

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before starting to write" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a preparatory action that should take place prior to the act of writing. Example: "Before starting to write, make sure you have all your research materials organized."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Here are a few things to consider before starting to write up a manuscript.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A content outlines puts a lot of work in finding the right structure before starting to write actual text.

Columbia University

In 1963, two years before starting to write this novel, he worked as a film screenwriter in Mexico City.

The New York Times

Kerr was author of Crikey's "Hillary Bray" column (named after an identity used by James Bond) before starting to write under his own name from mid-2004.

Yale University

Young stopped drinking and smoking shortly before starting to write, and it may be that the book represents a sort of displacement therapy.

The Guardian - Books

Famous for his documented walks, he makes a morning circuit of the neighbourhood before starting to write, "because otherwise I can't".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

This is crucial before even starting to write.

Forbes

What preparation do you do before you start to write?

The Guardian - Books

I wanted to understand that history completely and digest it before I started to write.

The New Yorker

"I have the piece finished before I start to write," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Breath etc... What preparation do you do before you start to write?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always outline your key points before starting to write to ensure a logical flow of ideas.

Common error

Don't dive straight into writing without a clear plan. This often leads to disorganized content and a weaker overall piece.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before starting to write" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the time frame in which an action should occur. It introduces a preparatory action necessary before the act of writing commences, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before starting to write" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize the importance of preparatory actions preceding the act of writing. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including academia, news, and general writing guides. For improved clarity and impact, consider related alternatives like "prior to writing" or "before you begin writing". Remember to plan your content and outline key points before starting to write to produce a well-structured and effective piece.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before you begin writing

Changes the phrase to a clause, making it more explicit.

prior to writing

Uses a more formal prepositional phrase.

before commencing writing

Replaces "starting" with the more formal "commencing".

in preparation for writing

Emphasizes the preparatory aspect of the action.

in advance of writing

Similar to "ahead of writing" but slightly more formal.

ahead of writing

A more concise and slightly less formal option.

prior to beginning to write

Adds emphasis on beginning to write

before the writing process

Shifts the focus to the writing process itself.

preparatory to writing

A more formal and less common alternative.

before putting pen to paper

An idiomatic alternative that refers to the physical act of writing.

FAQs

How can I use "before starting to write" in a sentence?

You can use "before starting to write" to introduce an action that should be completed beforehand. For example, "Before starting to write, gather all your research materials".

What are some alternatives to "before starting to write"?

You can use alternatives like "prior to writing", "before you begin writing", or "in preparation for writing".

Is there a difference between "before starting to write" and "before writing"?

While similar, "before starting to write" emphasizes the initiation of the writing process, whereas "before writing" is a more general statement. For example, "I like to brainstorm "before writing"" is broader than "I like to brainstorm before starting to write".

What should I do before I start to write?

Effective preparation before you "begin writing" can significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of your writing process. Consider brainstorming ideas, creating an outline, or conducting thorough research on your topic before starting to write.