before the start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before the start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a time or an event that precedes another time or event. For example, "I will arrive early in order to prepare before the start of the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I told myself before the start, "race brave".

The New York Times

"I was moving before the start," he told me recently.

The New York Times - Magazine

There's plenty of banter as we register before the start.

The Guardian - Travel

Leyland spoke on this before the start of the game.

The New York Times

The chill began well before the start of winter.

The New York Times

10, three days before the start of the toy fair.

The New York Times

Just made it before the start of play this morning.

The Guardian - Sport

Once, they lined up just before the start of winter.

The New York Times

Check-in begins 30 minutes before the start time.

The Guardian

It shut down nine days before the start of term.

The Guardian

Just before the start, Karolyi told her team: "Be positive.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "before the start" to clearly indicate a sequence of events, ensuring the reader understands what action preceded the beginning of something else. For example, "Ensure all equipment is checked before the start of the experiment."

Common error

Avoid using "before the start" when you actually mean 'at the start'. "Before the start" emphasizes actions completed prior to the beginning, not during the initial phase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before the start" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the timing of an event relative to the beginning of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "before the start" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate an action or state that occurs prior to the beginning of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. When using this phrase, ensure you are clearly indicating a temporal sequence prior to commencement. While versatile, consider formal alternatives like "prior to commencement" in more professional settings to increase effectiveness. Common errors involve confusing "before the start" with 'at the start', which refers to the precise moment of beginning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before it begins

More conversational and straightforward, suitable for informal contexts.

prior to commencement

Formal synonym, emphasizes a more official or structured beginning.

earlier than the commencement

Focuses on the temporal aspect, indicating that something happened at an earlier point relative to the beginning.

ahead of initiation

Suggests preparation or anticipation before the launch or beginning.

in advance of the initiation

Indicates actions taken with foresight or planning before the commencement.

preceding the kickoff

Specifically used for events or activities with a defined 'kickoff' point.

preliminary to the starting point

Emphasizes that something serves as an initial or preparatory step before a formal start.

leading up to the beginning

Highlights the period of preparation or events immediately before something starts.

previously to the onset

A formal and somewhat technical way to describe something happening before the start of an event, condition, or process.

in anticipation of the launch

Implies excitement or readiness for something about to start.

FAQs

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

Use "before the start" to indicate an action or state that occurred prior to a specific event or period. For example, "All participants must register before the start of the conference."

What's a formal alternative to "before the start"?

For more formal contexts, consider using "prior to commencement" or "in advance of the initiation".

Is it redundant to say "before the start of beginning"?

Yes, using "start of beginning" is generally redundant. Opt for "before the start" for conciseness and clarity.

What is the difference between "before the start" and "at the start"?

"Before the start" refers to the period leading up to the beginning, while "at the start" refers to the moment something commences. They denote different points in time.