before the session began

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before the session began" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time period that occurred prior to the start of a particular session, such as a meeting, class, or event. Example: "The participants were asked to complete a survey before the session began to gather their initial thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Before the session began, Straus spoke out against the bathroom bill.

The New Yorker

Two days before the session began, Chinese media published a surprising survey indicating that only 6% of citizens felt happy.

The Economist

It began on a somber note: shortly before the session began, the participants got news that extremists in Algeria had beheaded Hervé Gourdel, a French hostage.

The New Yorker

A few minutes before the session began, Obama received news that extremists in Algeria had beheaded, on camera, a French hostage, Hervé Gourdel.

The New Yorker

Before the session began, Mr. Bush appointed a 17-member committee to study the issue, including Richard Kinder, who was then Enron's president, on the panel.

The New York Times

Most of them could have been passed in the regular session; none of them were a priority for him before the session began.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Every subject participating in the focus groups accepted to be interviewed before the session begun.

BMC Health Services Research

You will receive a packet of forms before the session begins.

WikiHow

Bown, assisted by studio manager David Harris, set up microphones an hour before the sessions began.

Wikipedia

The participants, AAE (moderator), and the note taker (coordinator of the MoTeCH project in the district) sat in a circle and a relaxed atmosphere was allowed to prevail before the sessions began.

Global Health Action

Once enrolled, clients are asked to sign personal commitment papers before the sessions begin, with promises to process their feelings, be open to learning and to adopting a " 'whatever-it-takes' attitude" to create a "happy, fulfilling future".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before the session began", ensure it clearly indicates a timeframe prior to the commencement of a specific meeting, class, or event. Provide context to clarify what occurred during this period to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses that may confuse the timing of events. For example, instead of "before the session begins", which implies a future event, use "before the session began" to accurately describe a past event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before the session began" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a time relationship. It specifies when an action occurred in relation to the start of a session. As seen in Ludwig, its function is supported by example sentences clarifying the timeline.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before the session began" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that establishes a temporal context, indicating actions or events occurring prior to the start of a specific session. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that its primary contexts are news, science, and wiki articles. Its usage is versatile across different registers, but maintains a neutral formality. As an alternative you can try "prior to the session's commencement" or "ahead of the session's start".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before the start of the session

Explicitly mentions the "start" of the session.

ahead of the session's start

Uses "ahead of" instead of "before" and refers to the "start" of the session.

in advance of the session

Replaces "before" with "in advance of", indicating preparation or anticipation.

prior to the session's commencement

Replaces "began" with the more formal "commencement" and uses a possessive structure.

previous to the session's beginning

Substitutes "before" with "previous to" and uses the noun form "beginning".

preceding the session's initiation

Uses more formal vocabulary like "preceding" and "initiation".

prior to commencement of the session

Uses more formal vocabulary and a different word order.

leading up to the session

Focuses on the time period approaching the session, rather than a specific point before it.

in the time leading up to the session

Similar to "leading up to the session", but with more emphasis on the timeframe.

in anticipation of the session

Emphasizes the expectation of the session, rather than simply the time before it.

FAQs

How can I use "before the session began" in a sentence?

You can use "before the session began" to describe actions or events that took place leading up to a meeting, class, or event. For example, "The participants completed a survey "before the session began" to share their initial thoughts".

What are some alternatives to saying "before the session began"?

Alternatives include "prior to the session's commencement", "ahead of the session's start", or "leading up to the session". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "prior to the session began" instead of "before the session began"?

While "prior to the session began" is grammatically correct, it's more formal. "Before the session began" is more common and generally suitable for most contexts.

What's the difference between "before the session began" and "before the session begins"?

"Before the session began" refers to a past event, while "before the session begins" refers to a future event. The choice depends on whether you are talking about something that has already happened or something that will happen.