before the call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before the call" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a time period or actions that occur prior to a phone call or conference call. Example: "Please make sure to review the agenda before the call to ensure we cover all necessary topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If it hears your request correctly, it will respond by saying, "Calling Amy" before the call begins.

WikiHow

They hadn't hurt before the call.

The New Yorker

Before the call, I underwent two rounds of interviews.

The New York Times

The effort required before the call, thwarts the call itself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But before the call ended, Mr. Rajaratnam offered Mr. Goel a tip.

The New York Times

But the day before the call was to come, I got a last-minute assignment.

The New York Times

Minutes ago, before the call, he had been planning tomorrow's walk to Vernazza.

The New Yorker

I'd laid the fire before the call and had been looking forward to popping some corn.

The New Yorker

On our final day, eight hours before the call about the dolphin, Gordon received another call.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's unfortunate it happened shortly before the call-centres were closing…" Cameron, you're off the hook.

The Guardian

A final reminder text message will be sent 48 hours before the call-back telephone evaluation of month 6 and 13.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or providing a timeline, use "before the call" to clearly indicate actions that need to be completed in advance.

Common error

In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "prior to the call" or "in advance of the call" for a more polished tone. Excessive repetition of "before the call" can make the text sound less professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before the call" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating the timing of an action or event in relation to a phone call. It sets a temporal boundary, specifying when something occurs relative to the commencement of the call. Ludwig provides many examples to support this analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before the call" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates the timing of events in relation to a phone call. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While versatile, more formal alternatives like "prior to the call" may be preferable in certain settings. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase serves to provide temporal context, ensuring clarity and coordination when discussing actions and preparations related to a phone conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to the call

Formal alternative using "prior to" instead of "before".

preceding the call

More formal synonym for "before the call".

ahead of the call

Indicates acting or planning in advance of the call.

in advance of the call

Stresses preparation before the call.

in preparation for the call

Emphasizes actions taken to get ready for the call.

in anticipation of the call

Emphasizes the expectation of the call.

previous to the call

A formal alternative, less common in everyday speech.

leading up to the call

Focuses on the period of time immediately preceding the call.

earlier than the call

Highlights that something happened at an earlier time.

on the eve of the call

Suggests the day or night before the call.

FAQs

How can I use "before the call" in a sentence?

You can use "before the call" to describe actions or events that occur prior to a phone conversation. For example, "Please review the documents before the call to be prepared to discuss them."

What's a more formal way to say "before the call"?

Alternatives such as "prior to the call" or "in advance of the call" are more formal and suitable for business or academic writing.

Is it correct to say 'previous to the call' instead of "before the call"?

Yes, "previous to the call" is grammatically correct, although it's less common and may sound more formal than "before the call".

What should I do "ahead of the call"?

Depending on the call's purpose, prepare an agenda, gather necessary documents, or research relevant information to ensure a productive conversation.