before they checked in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before they checked in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to actions or events that occurred prior to a group of people completing their check-in process, often in contexts like travel or events. Example: "The guests were informed about the new policies before they checked in to the hotel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

About 350 passengers were screened for questioning Wednesday afternoon as they prepared to board Air France Flight 68, which had been scheduled to depart at 1 35 p.m. Another 350 passengers who were scheduled to fly out at 7 p.m. were turned away before they checked in.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Before they got in, they checked in with one of the coaches responsible for letting them have a free meal during the school's lunch hour.

Los Angeles Times

At the risk of spoiling the narrative (never really the point of an Anderson anyway), I'd advise anyone heading to SC's The Grand Budapest Hotel to check out at least something about the film before they check in.

Independent

Rachel and Dan arrive on a beautiful island for the holiday of a lifetime – newly wed, newly pregnant – but even before they check in to their luxurious hotel, the locals are warning Rachel that her husband is in danger.

The Guardian - Books

Using the new Hilton HHonors app (yes, that name needs work) or the Hilton website, users will be able to choose their room the day before they check in.

TechCrunch

"We offer complimentary cribs, high chairs and baby carriages, and we baby-proof the room before they even check in," said Yvonne Biegel, the hotel's public relations director, "so our guests can get on a plane and come here without having to haul all that stuff".

The New York Times

Before she checked in, "I didn't even have the energy to laugh," she said.

The New York Times

(The two women even ended up in the same Swiss hospital, though Zelda was gone before Lucia checked in).

The New Yorker

Below is a guide to some of the pop-up genre's most popular hotel brands along with their coordinates so you can check in before they check out.

The New York Times - Travel

While initially they said he had checked in on Sept. 28, three days before the shooting, they now believe he checked in on Sept. 25.

Los Angeles Times

They check in before dinner.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, use "before they checked in" to sequentially narrate events, emphasizing that one action preceded the formal check-in process.

Common error

Avoid using "before they checked in" when the check-in process isn't the central focus of the sentence. If the check-in is incidental, rephrase to highlight the primary action or event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before they checked in" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an action occurred in relation to the check-in process. As Ludwig highlights, it's a valid and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before they checked in" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate that an action or event occurred prior to a group's check-in. As Ludwig confirms, it's a valid and practical English construction. While versatile, it's most prevalent in News & Media and Wiki contexts. For formal settings, consider alternatives such as "prior to their check-in". Clarity is crucial; always ensure 'they' is clearly defined. By understanding its function and usage, you can effectively incorporate "before they checked in" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to their check-in

Formal rephrasing using 'prior to' instead of 'before'.

ahead of their registration

Replaces 'check-in' with 'registration', focusing on the formal process.

preceding their sign-in

Uses 'sign-in' as a synonym for 'check-in'.

in advance of their arrival and check-in

Adds 'arrival' for emphasis and clarity.

leading up to their admittance

Emphasizes the period leading up to the check-in process.

before the start of their check-in procedure

More explicit about the 'check-in' being a procedure.

previously to logging in

Uses 'logging in', suitable for digital contexts.

in anticipation of their registration

Shifts focus to anticipation of registration.

before validating their presence

Formal and emphasizes validation of arrival.

prior to gaining access

Highlights the aspect of gaining access after check-in.

FAQs

What does "before they checked in" mean?

It indicates actions or events that occurred prior to a group of people completing their check-in process, typically in contexts like hotels, flights, or events.

How can I use "before they checked in" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe actions taken "prior to their check-in", such as 'The guests were informed about the new policies before they checked in to the hotel.'

What are some alternatives to saying "before they checked in"?

Alternatives include "prior to their check-in", "ahead of their registration", or "in advance of their arrival" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "prior to checking in" or "before they checked in"?

"Prior to checking in" is more formal, while "before they checked in" is more conversational. Choose based on the desired tone and audience. Consider "ahead of their check-in" as another alternative.