before the appointed time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before the appointed time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is happening earlier than a scheduled or agreed-upon time. Example: "We need to finish the project before the appointed time to ensure we meet the client's expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Mr. Corvino confesses that he has "been cheating a bit," logging on before the appointed time.

The New York Times

Then she massaged my head and feet, hard, and left, by my watch at least, five minutes before the appointed time.

The New York Times - Style

In the opening of her 1996 book, "God Has Ninety-nine NaMillerMiller described the scene: **{:.break one} ** Shortly before the appointed time, Mahmoud Muhammad Taha was led into the courtyard.

The New Yorker

I made my way into the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department office about half an hour before the appointed time, and turned left at the front desk to follow the signs for the Photo Enforced office.

The New York Times

He watched the street for many minutes before the appointed time, not wishing to be at the club first and then perhaps to be disappointed, and while he watched he played with pictures of June at the end of her working day getting ready somewhere and making her way from Debenhams to the club.

The New Yorker

The commission is also confused as to why the IMF would raise the issue of labor reforms before the appointed time, and is worried that those demands risk undermining the broader reform effort.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Well before noon on Saturday, the appointed time of the rally, its basic shape was obvious.

The New Yorker

The appointed time came and went.

The New York Times

Even then, it didn't happen at the appointed time.

The Guardian

Ten of those who had agreed to participate in FGI failed to make it for the appointed time.

Language Testing in Asia

At the appointed time, we arrived.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before the appointed time", ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'appointed time' refers to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "before the appointed time" without clearly defining the 'appointed time'. Always provide sufficient context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before the appointed time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate when an action occurred. It specifies that something happened earlier than a previously set or scheduled time. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "before the appointed time" serves to indicate that something occurred earlier than a scheduled or agreed-upon moment. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. It is versatile enough for neutral contexts such as news reporting, and formal settings. While this expression is precise, it's crucial to make clear what the "appointed time" actually refers to for clarity. The examples provided by Ludwig encompass various situations, from arriving early at meetings to completing tasks ahead of schedule.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ahead of schedule

Indicates completing something earlier than planned, focusing on project management and deadlines.

prior to the scheduled moment

Emphasizes a time-based sequence, placing an event before its official start.

earlier than agreed

Highlights a deviation from a previously established agreement regarding timing.

before the due time

Similar to "before the deadline", this highlights early completion

in advance of the set hour

Uses more formal language, emphasizing punctuality and preparation.

before the deadline

Specifically relates to meeting requirements ahead of an imposed cutoff.

sooner than expected

Focuses on the surprise of an early occurrence, contrasting with initial expectations.

ahead of the game

Figuratively suggests being proactive and prepared, not just early.

in anticipation of

Implies preparing for an event before its official start, with a focus on expectation.

previously

A general reference to something that happened before, requiring additional context to specify the 'appointed time'.

FAQs

What does "before the appointed time" mean?

It means that something happens or is done earlier than a scheduled, agreed, or designated time.

What are some alternatives to "before the appointed time"?

You can use alternatives such as "ahead of schedule", "prior to the scheduled moment", or "earlier than agreed", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "before the appointed time" or "ahead of schedule"?

Both phrases are correct, but "ahead of schedule" is often used in project management or when referring to deadlines, while "before the appointed time" is more general and can apply to various situations where something occurs earlier than planned.

How can I use "before the appointed time" in a sentence?

Example: "He arrived at the meeting "before the appointed time", eager to discuss the agenda." Another example: "The commission is also confused as to why the IMF would raise the issue of labor reforms "before the appointed time", and is worried that those demands risk undermining the broader reform effort."