before turning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before turning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an action that should occur prior to making a turn or change in direction, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "Make sure to check your mirrors before turning onto the main road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Let it cool before turning out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He died in 1930, three weeks before turning 88.

The New York Times

She watches them longer than she should before turning away.

The New Yorker

Cool in the pan before turning out.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cool in the tin before turning out.

The New Yorker

among them — before turning the conversation back to Wall Street.

The New York Times

He rarely spoke before turning to the next customer.

The New York Times

He helps us think holistically before turning analytic.

The New York Times - Books

Before turning on the jet, she smells gas, & rushes outside.

The New Yorker

Before turning to anthropology Nadel pursued musical interests.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Always check fences before turning cattle out onto new pastures.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sequential actions, ensure the action described with "before turning" logically precedes the change in direction or state. This maintains clarity and avoids confusion.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by placing the phrase "before turning" as close as possible to the action it modifies. Otherwise, the sentence might imply the wrong subject is performing the turning action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before turning" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the timing of an action in relation to a change in direction or condition. Ludwig provides examples showing this usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before turning" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to indicate that an action precedes a change in direction or state. As affirmed by Ludwig, its correct usage is supported by numerous examples from reputable sources. While generally neutral in register, clarity is crucial to avoid misplaced modifiers. By understanding its function and common usage, you can effectively incorporate "before turning" into your writing. Considering the high frequency of the phrase, mastering it will surely improve the readability of any written text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to turning

Formal alternative, emphasizes the temporal sequence.

just before the turn

Emphasizes the proximity in time to the turning action.

ahead of turning

Slightly more informal, focuses on anticipation of the turning action.

in advance of turning

More formal and emphatic about doing something beforehand.

previous to turning

Highlights that something happened in the past, relative to the turn.

until the turn

Shifts the focus to the duration leading up to the turn.

leading up to the turn

Focuses on the period immediately preceding the turn.

in anticipation of turning

Focuses on the mental preparation for the turn.

on the verge of turning

Suggests that the turn is imminent.

as a prelude to turning

Positions the action as an introduction or lead-in to the turn.

FAQs

How to use "before turning" in a sentence?

Use "before turning" to describe an action that occurs immediately preceding a change in direction or state. For example, "Check your mirrors "before turning onto" the main road."

What can I say instead of "before turning"?

You can use alternatives like "prior to turning", "ahead of turning", or "just before the turn" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "before turning" or "prior turning"?

"Before turning" is grammatically correct. "Prior turning" is not a standard English construction. Use "prior to turning" instead.

What's the difference between "before turning" and "after turning"?

"Before turning" indicates an action that happens before a change in direction, while "after turning" indicates an action that happens after the turn. They describe opposite temporal sequences.