before the match started

USAGE SUMMARY

"before the match started" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happened or was done before a match (such as a sports match) began. For example: "Before the match started, the players warmed up on the field." "Emily arrived at the stadium before the match started, eager to see her favorite team play." "The team reviewed their strategy before the match started, hoping to secure a win." "Before the match started, the crowd erupted into cheers and chants for their team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The U.S. team was thrown off balance even before the match started when the team's steady midfielder, Michael Bradley, who had been in the starting lineup, was benched after he sprained his left ankle in pregame warm-ups.

The New York Times

"It is very disappointing because I had a hesitation to play him before the match started.

Independent

The Centre Court had waited virtually all day and it was 6.35 before the match started.

The Guardian - Sport

It is very disappointing because I had a hesitation to play him (Fabregas) before the match started.

Independent

One of the guys I talked to before the match started recalled Greece's Euro Cup victory in 2004.

The New York Times

Almost before the match started, the Americans were on top, winning their first two bouts, 5-2 and 5-4.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Before 1952, when the match started, students applied to residencies individually.

The New York Times - Health

To enter, email me before the match starts at: [email protected] Nick's tips to improve your game *Tip No 1: The ball is all.

Independent

He said, 'Look around before the match starts so you don't have to focus on it during the match.' " Roddick was not overwhelmed.

The New York Times - Sports

Before the match starts, Leicester should know whether Danny Drinkwater will be charged in relation to an alleged elbow on Valon Behrami in the defeat at Watford on Saturday.

The Guardian - Sport

Ticket Pickup: Russell will have the tickets for you in front of the John Wooden statue on the north side of Pauley Pavilion that night starting at about 6p until just before the match starts (unless you would like him to mail them to you earlier or arrange a ticket pick up prior to the match).

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "before the match started" to clearly indicate the timing of an event or action relative to the beginning of a sporting event. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "before the match started" when you actually mean during the match. Ensure that the described event genuinely happened before the match's commencement and not at some point after.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before the match started" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating the temporal relationship of an event occurring prior to the commencement of a match. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before the match started" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase to describe events that occurred prior to the beginning of a match. With Ludwig showing numerous examples of its use, this phrase is found in various contexts, especially news, media and online wikis, it remains appropriately neutral in register. Consider related phrases such as "prior to the match's commencement" or "leading up to the match's start" for more formal or nuanced expressions. Remember, accuracy in timing is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even before the match began

Adds emphasis on the timing before the match.

ahead of the match starting

Simple and direct alternative, slightly less formal.

before the game began

Uses "game" instead of "match", implying a broader range of sports.

prior to the match's commencement

More formal and emphasizes the official beginning of the match.

prior to the beginning of the match

More formal and emphasizes the initial point of the match.

leading up to the match's start

Highlights the period immediately preceding the match.

before kickoff

More specific to sports that use the term "kickoff".

in the time preceding the match's kickoff

More verbose, focusing on the period before the initial play.

in anticipation of the match's commencement

Focuses on the expectation and preparation before the match.

previous to the match's initiation

Highly formal and emphasizes the formal start.

FAQs

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

You can use "before the match started" to describe actions, events, or preparations that occurred prior to the beginning of a game. For example, "The team practiced their strategy "before the match started"".

What are some alternatives to saying "before the match started"?

Alternatives include "prior to the match's commencement", "leading up to the match's start", or simply "before kickoff" depending on the specific sport.

Is there a difference between "before the match started" and "before the match begins"?

The difference is subtle. "Before the match started" refers to a specific point in the past, while "before the match begins" can refer to a future or habitual event. Both are generally interchangeable but "before the match started" is suitable when talking about something that already happened.

Which is more formal, "before the match started" or "prior to the match's beginning"?

Prior to the match's beginning is more formal than "before the match started". The latter is suitable for most contexts, while the former is best for official or academic writing.