before we begin

USAGE SUMMARY

"before we begin" is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is about to start. For example, "Before we begin, I'd like to thank everyone for coming today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the day before, we begin what we call a 24-hour "death watch".

The Guardian - Opinion

Why be defeatist before we begin?

University of California, Berkeley

Before we begin, two quick things.

The Guardian - Books

A quick point before we begin.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Before we begin, a correction from last week's debate.

The Washington Post

Well, I read the books before we begin them.

The New Yorker

Welcome, and before we begin – please accept our apologies.

The Guardian - Sport

6.53pm: Just before we begin, here's some quick primers.

The Guardian - Film

Before we begin, let me make three important points.

Harvard Business Review

What feels overwhelming before we begin is chunked into shorter, attainable goals.

The New York Times

"Before we begin clapping, let's ask if we aren't just clapping for ourselves".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "before we begin" to clearly signal the start of a presentation, discussion, or activity, setting expectations for the audience or participants.

Common error

Avoid starting every new section or point with "before we begin". Vary your sentence structure with phrases like "first", "initially", or omitting the transitional phrase altogether for a more natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before we begin" functions as an introductory element, typically used to signal the start of a discourse, presentation, or activity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's a standard and acceptable way to preface initial remarks or instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before we begin" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that acts as a signal to mark the start of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and broad usage across various contexts—from news and media to academic settings—make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. While alternatives exist, ranging from the more formal "prior to commencing" to the simpler "before we start", the choice depends on the desired tone and context. Just remember not to overuse it!"

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to commencing

Changes the phrasing to a more formal tone using 'prior to' instead of 'before' and 'commencing' instead of 'begin'.

ahead of starting

Replaces "before" with "ahead of" and "begin" with "starting", offering a slightly less formal tone.

to preface this

Emphasizes the act of introducing or setting the stage for what follows.

as a prelude to

Introduces a more literary or ceremonial feel, suggesting an introductory act.

initially, we must

Stresses the initial requirement or action needed.

as an opening remark

Positions the phrase as the initial statement.

first, let us note

Highlights the act of noting something important at the start.

to set the stage

Uses a metaphor to describe preparing for what's next.

let's first consider

Implies a need to think about something before proceeding.

by way of introduction

Functions as a formal introduction to a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "before we begin" in a sentence?

You can use "before we begin" to introduce preliminary remarks, instructions, or disclaimers at the start of a presentation, discussion, or activity. For example, "Before we begin, let's review the agenda."

What are some alternatives to saying "before we begin"?

Alternatives include phrases like "prior to commencing", "ahead of starting", or "to preface this", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "before we began" instead of "before we begin"?

"Before we began" refers to something that occurred in the past, suggesting a point before a past action started. "Before we begin" refers to the present or future, indicating a point before a current or upcoming action starts. Choose the correct tense based on the time frame you're referring to.

What's the difference between "before we begin" and "before we start"?

The phrases "before we begin" and "before we start" are largely interchangeable and have the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the desired level of formality, with "begin" often considered slightly more formal than "start".