before we commence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before we commence" is correct and is very commonly used in written English.
It is usually used when starting a meeting or event, and is used to signify that the activity is about to begin. Example: "Before we commence the meeting, I would like to remind everyone to bring their agendas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But before we commence the Three Stooges-style whoop and slap attack that is Legacy's due, a bit of back story.

The New York Times

I was wondering when the shiny new GOP House majority might get down to some old-school funnin' and gunnin' over The Stuff That Upsets Them In The Culture, and as it turns out, we're not going to even wait for the lame-duck session to end before we commence this quackery.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We asked the respondents about their knowledge related to heart attacks, risk factors of heart attacks and, importantly, theoretical knowledge on CPR as well as their attitude about different cardiac emergency scenarios before we commenced the CPR teaching program.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

We specified which data analyses we planned to do and how to do them before we commenced the work.

British Journal of Cancer

Before we commenced the Alcohol and Pregnancy Project in 2006, we committed to collaborating with CCRs in the research, not as a condition of funding, but to comply with the NHMRC statement on consumer participation in research [ 9], and to conduct good research practice [ 11, 16, 36].

Health Research Policy and Systems

Blocks of flats: We would need any leaseholders to agree to taking on a Green Deal debt before we could commence a scheme ourselves for externally insulating a block.

The Guardian

Before we can commence, we need to find out what we're dealing with.

Vice

One explanation for this discrepancy may be that the images analyzed in both previous publications show zygotes at rather early developmental stages, that is, at pronuclear stages before we observe DNA demethylation to commence.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

We spent over twelve months submitting applications to five hospital ethics committees and seven funding bodies, before commencing the trial.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Let the engine cool before commencing any work!

WikiHow

Understand the different quarters of the moon before commencing.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for international audiences, consider using "before we begin" or "before we start" as they are more universally understood.

Common error

Avoid using "before we commence" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before we commence" functions as a temporal conjunction, introducing a clause that specifies the timing or condition that must be satisfied before the main action can begin. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before we commence" is a grammatically sound and formal way to indicate that something must happen prior to a specific action. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is relatively rare, primarily appearing in scientific and news contexts. For less formal situations, consider using alternatives like "before we begin" or "before we start" to maintain a more approachable tone. Remember to avoid overuse in casual settings to prevent sounding overly formal. Using these guidelines will help you use the phrase effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before we begin

A more common and slightly less formal synonym.

prior to starting

Emphasizes the temporal sequence with a slightly more formal tone.

before we start

An everyday alternative, simpler and more direct.

ahead of initiating

Highlights the preparatory aspect using more sophisticated vocabulary.

previous to undertaking

A more formal and somewhat archaic phrasing.

in advance of launching

Suitable when discussing projects or initiatives; more specific.

preceding the start of

More verbose, emphasizing the chronological order of events.

before proceeding with

Implies a step-by-step approach, slightly less formal.

prior to the initiation of

Highly formal and often used in official or legal documents.

preparatory to commencing

Focuses on the preparatory actions taken beforehand, quite formal.

FAQs

What does "before we commence" mean?

The phrase "before we commence" means prior to beginning or starting something. It indicates that an action or event needs to happen before another can begin.

When is it appropriate to use "before we commence"?

It's appropriate to use "before we commence" in formal settings, presentations, or written communication where a professional tone is desired. In informal settings, alternatives like "before we begin" or "before we start" might be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "before we commence"?

Some alternatives to "before we commence" include "prior to starting", "before we begin", and "before we start". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is "before we commence" grammatically correct?

Yes, "before we commence" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules, with "before" acting as a conjunction and "commence" as a verb.