before the games started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before the games started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time period prior to the commencement of games or competitions. Example: "The team had a strategy meeting before the games started to ensure everyone was on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Even before the Games started, there were a lot of . . .

The New Yorker

The injury, he explained, occurred about a week ago, while he was training for the W.B.C., before the games started.

The New York Times

Having refused to publish ticket information before the Games started, it is only now trickling out selective information," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

The women cooked 15 dinners before the Games started, so they would not miss a minute of the coverage.

The New York Times - Sports

"There will never be a time, ever, that we will not feel extraordinary regret at losing Nodar before the Games started," Furlong said.

The New York Times - Sports

— that a day or two before the Games started, Romney questioned London's preparedness to host the 2012 Olympics, saying there were "a few things that were disconcerting".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Luiz Fernando Pazao, Rio Governor, has admitted "there's not going to be time" to finish cleaning up the bay before the games start on 5 August next year.

Independent

The baton arrives in Glasgow just before the games start on 23 July.

BBC

The project is under wraps and won't open until right before the Games start on Aug. 8, 2008.

Forbes

Nearly 2,000 schoolchildren will get the chance to compete in four main Olympic venues before the Games start, in the finals of the 2012 School Games.

BBC

The torch will go on a 123-day journey covering some 65,000km (40,000 miles) before the Games start in the Black Sea resort on 7 February.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "before the games started" to set the context for discussions about preparations, controversies, or expectations surrounding a sporting event.

Common error

Avoid using "before the games started" when referring to events that occurred during or after the games. Ensure the context clearly establishes that the events transpired in the period leading up to the games' commencement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before the games started" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, indicating when an action or event occurred in relation to the commencement of a sporting competition. It provides a temporal context for the associated clause, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before the games started" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase, predominantly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct. It serves to establish a timeline, providing background and context to events leading up to a sporting event. While its register is neutral, it is suitable for both formal and informal discussions. Related phrases include "prior to the commencement of the games" and "ahead of the games' beginning". Common errors involve misusing the phrase to refer to events occurring during or after the games, rather than preceding them. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC commonly employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preceding the start of the games

Similar in meaning, but uses a more formal tone.

prior to the commencement of the games

This is a more formal and elaborate way of saying "before the games started".

before the opening of the games

Highlights the period immediately preceding the official opening ceremony.

ahead of the games' beginning

This alternative emphasizes anticipation and preparation leading up to the games.

in the lead-up to the games

Focuses on the events and activities that occur in preparation for the games.

leading up to the games

Focuses on the period of preparation and build-up.

in advance of the games' start

Emphasizes the preparatory actions taken well before the games.

in anticipation of the games

Emphasizes the excitement and expectations before the games.

prior to the inaugural game

A more formal version, using "inaugural" to describe the first game.

pre-games

A shorter and more concise alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

FAQs

What does "before the games started" mean?

The phrase "before the games started" refers to the period preceding the commencement of a sporting event or competition. It's used to describe events, preparations, or discussions that occurred prior to the official beginning of the games.

What can I say instead of "before the games started"?

You can use alternatives like "prior to the commencement of the games", "ahead of the games' beginning", or "in the lead-up to the games" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "prior to games start" instead of "before the games started"?

While "prior to games start" might be understood, it is less grammatically correct and less common than "before the games started". "Before the games started" is the preferred and more widely accepted phrasing.

How can I use "before the games started" in a sentence?

You can use it as in, "Security measures were heightened "before the games started"." Or, "Several controversies arose "before the games started", impacting the preparations."