before the matches started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before the matches started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time period prior to the beginning of matches, often in the context of sports or competitions. Example: "We gathered to discuss our strategy before the matches started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I saw him when every player was getting ready to warm up before the matches started.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

First up the most important thing is to get everyone singing off the same hymn sheet, get clarity in what we are trying to do as quickly as possible in the short time we have together as a team before the matches start.

Independent

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

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

The New York Times

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

Independent

I had noticed this bird just before the match started as it had obviously found something to eat in the pristine turf.

The Guardian - Sport

But even before the match started at the Oval, the International Cricket Council was being told by The Sun that sports bookmakers in India and Dubai knew details of scoring patterns.

The New York Times - Sports

Though a percentage of television revenues had been one of Fischer's demands before the match started, the presence of television cameras in the hall became one of his most persistent causes of complaint.

The New Yorker

At Selhurst Park three weeks ago, an extraordinary thing happened: before the match started, the fans of Crystal Palace gave the manager of Leicester City an ovation as he walked along the touchline.

The Guardian - Sport

Stevens turned 40 the day before the match started, but he still took the new ball in each innings and chipped in with a typically belligerent 58 from No6.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before the matches started", ensure the context clearly indicates which matches you are referring to, especially if multiple matches are involved.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying a timeframe related to the preparation or events that occur leading up to the start of the matches. For instance, instead of only saying "before the matches started", specify how long before: "an hour before the matches started".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before the matches started" functions as a temporal prepositional phrase, indicating the time frame preceding the commencement of the matches. Ludwig confirms this phrase is usable in written English, placing events in a chronological context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before the matches started" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a time period prior to the beginning of matches, predominantly in sports-related contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is readily used in various written English contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki articles. To avoid ambiguity, specify the timeframe relative to when the matches started, making the context clear. While there are alternatives, such as "prior to the matches" or "leading up to the matches", the original phrase is direct and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to the commencement of the matches

Replaces "before" with "prior to the commencement of", making it more formal.

leading up to the start of the matches

Focuses on the period leading up to the event rather than a specific point in time.

ahead of the matches' commencement

Uses "ahead of" instead of "before" and replaces "started" with the noun "commencement".

preceding the beginning of the matches

Replaces "before" with "preceding" and "started" with "beginning", creating a more formal tone.

in anticipation of the matches starting

Highlights the anticipation surrounding the matches.

prior to the matches getting underway

Uses a more colloquial expression, "getting underway", to indicate the start of the matches.

before the kickoff of the matches

Uses "kickoff" which is specific to some sports.

in advance of the matches starting

Emphasizes doing something with sufficient time before the matches.

before the matches were underway

Uses a passive voice construction.

prior to game time

Simplifies the phrase to a more general term referring to the period before a game.

FAQs

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

You can use "before the matches started" to describe actions or events that took place in the time leading up to a sports event. For example, "The team had a final practice session before the matches started."

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

Some alternatives include "prior to the matches", "leading up to the matches", or "ahead of the matches".

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

While both are grammatically correct, "before the match started" is more common. "Prior to the match starting" is slightly more formal. For example, the alternative "before the match began" is also a viable option.

What's the difference between "before the match started" and "after the match ended"?

"Before the match started" refers to the period preceding the commencement of the match, while "after the match ended" refers to the period following its conclusion. The first describes preparation, the second evaluation.