before the expiration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before the expiration" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about a period of time ending with a specific date or event. For example, "You must submit your application before the expiration of the deadline at midnight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ms. Koedoot has cut back on buying deals because she has lost money when coupons she bought, like one for a Spanish language course, expired, or when she could not get restaurant reservations before the expiration date.

The New York Times - Tech

The union decertified before the expiration of the agreement.

The New York Times - Sports

It appears that players rushed to file before the expiration of baseball's labor agreement at midnight Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

The deal came just four days before the expiration of Vodafone's takeover offer to holders of Mannesmann stock.

The New York Times

Or that people who didn't manage to cash their coupons in before the expiration date couldn't ask for a replacement?

The New York Times

He died before the expiration of his second term, the first vice president to die in office.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If no fall occurs before the expiration of the match, these points are used to determine a winner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Broadway still has one more week before the expiration of concessions granted by unions, royalty holders and theater owners to ease the economic impact of the terrorist attacks.

The New York Times

Sulzer Medica, Europe's biggest orthopedics maker, reached the most recent accord before the expiration of a court order barring individual lawsuits from proceeding.

The New York Times

Recommendations from a committee representing both sides would be due 60 days before the expiration of a new contract in 2003.

The New York Times

The Bush administration has worked frantically to make the Polish BMD base a reality before the expiration of its term in January.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing deadlines, clearly state the action required "before the expiration" (e.g., "Submit your application before the expiration of the grant period.").

Common error

Avoid using "before the expiration" when "after the effective date" or "upon renewal" is more appropriate. "Expiration" implies a natural end, while "effective date" marks a beginning, and "renewal" suggests a continuation after a period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before the expiration" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate a time frame preceding a specific end date. Ludwig AI shows that it commonly appears in sentences describing actions that must occur prior to something ending.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before the expiration" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote a period leading up to a specific end date. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. The phrase appears frequently in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. When writing, ensure you're using "before the expiration" to indicate the time period prior to an end date, not as a substitute for terms like "after the effective date". Alternatives include "prior to expiration" or "before the deadline", but choose the phrase that best fits your context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to expiration

Uses "prior to" for a more formal tone.

before expiry

Replaces "expiration" with its shorter synonym, "expiry".

prior to the expiration

Similar to "prior to expiration" but includes "the" for added emphasis.

ahead of the expiration date

Emphasizes acting in advance of the deadline.

in advance of the expiration

Stresses proactive action before the final date.

before the deadline

Specifies "expiration" as a "deadline".

before the due date

Replaces "expiration" with "due date", suggesting an obligation.

before the termination

Uses "termination" in place of expiration, often used when referring to something being ended.

before the end

A more general phrase, less specific about the type of end.

leading up to the expiration

Highlights the period approaching the end.

FAQs

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

You can use "before the expiration" to indicate a timeframe leading up to a specific end date. For example, "Ensure all data is backed up "before the expiration" of the trial period".

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

A more formal alternative is "prior to expiration". This phrase is suitable for legal documents and official correspondence.

Is there a difference between "before the expiration" and "before the deadline"?

While similar, "before the expiration" generally refers to a set end date, whereas "before the deadline" emphasizes the last possible moment to complete a task. The phrases are interchangeable, but the emphasis differs slightly.

What are some common things that have an "expiration"?

Common items with expiration dates include coupons, contracts, food, and licenses. You would say "use the coupon "before the expiration" date" or "renew your license "before the expiration"".