before we follow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before we follow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a need to consider or discuss something prior to taking action or proceeding with a plan. Example: "Before we follow the proposed strategy, let's evaluate its potential risks and benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But we should hesitate before we follow Higgins all the way in seeing the world of Roman love as wonderfully appealing and ancient Roman culture as delightfully libertine.

The Guardian - Books

Before we follow the line back to where the pigs are processed we go into one of two enormous fridges, where I guess about 200 pigs are cooling down – the rule is 16 hours from kill to chill for transportation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Two days before, we followed 80 or so protesters around a poor neighborhood, everyone scrambling at the first sign of police.

The New York Times - Magazine

Before we followed Isabel into the pre-op, I put the cannoli in the fridge that was in her room.

The New Yorker

There was a perceptible pause before we followed through.

Huffington Post

As mentioned before, we followed the recommendations of WHO and only those ICF categories that are relevant to the patient are documented.

BMC Psychiatry

We could be thin and happier than ever before, if we followed the WW eating plan.

Huffington Post

Decisions on sanctions aren't taken lightly – there is a chain of processes we follow before a sanction comes into effect, including taking every opportunity to contact the claimant several times.

The Guardian

For ensuring a minimal As background pressure in the MBE reactor before Ga is deposited, we follow specific procedures in the different MBE systems.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Before attempting any prediction, we follow the process suggested in [13] and calculate the theoretical upper limit for the predictability of the sequence of cells.

EPJ Data Science

To investigate whether data from Google can help us to estimate the number of suicide occurrences in England before official figures are released, we follow the findings of the previous studies and analyse data on Google searches for terms 'depression' and 'suicide'suicide

EPJ Data Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before we follow", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs to be considered or discussed before proceeding. Use it to signal a deliberate pause for reflection or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "before we follow" when a decision has already been made or when the context doesn't genuinely require prior consideration. This can create a false sense of deliberation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before we follow" functions as an introductory phrase indicating a necessary preliminary action or consideration. As Ludwig AI indicates, it sets the stage for a subsequent action, emphasizing the importance of the initial step.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before we follow" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a prerequisite or consideration before proceeding with an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's valid for use in writing. While its frequency is relatively rare, it appears in a variety of contexts, including news, science, and business. The key is to use the phrase when there is a genuine need for prior consideration to avoid creating a false sense of deliberation. Alternatives such as "prior to proceeding" can provide a more formal tone. Remember to pause and reflect before you "follow"!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before we proceed

Emphasizes moving forward after a pause or consideration.

prior to our following

More formal and emphasizes the timing of the action.

before we act accordingly

Highlights acting in response to something after a period of consideration.

before we implement

Focuses on implementing a plan or strategy.

prior to adopting

Emphasizes the act of adopting a practice or belief.

before we endorse

Highlights formally supporting something.

let's consider first

Suggests pausing for consideration before taking action.

we must first examine

Emphasizes the importance of examination before any subsequent action.

first, let's analyze

Suggests analyzing before progressing further.

before taking the next step

Highlights the process of advancing with caution.

FAQs

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

You can use "before we follow" to introduce a necessary preliminary step, such as "Before we follow this strategy, let's analyze the potential risks."

What's a more formal alternative to "before we follow"?

A more formal alternative is "prior to proceeding". For example, you could say, "Prior to proceeding with the project, we must secure the necessary approvals."

Is "before we follow" interchangeable with "after we follow"?

No, "before we follow" indicates a step that must occur beforehand, while "after we follow" indicates a step that occurs subsequently. They have opposite meanings.

What can I say instead of "before we follow" when giving instructions?

When giving instructions, alternatives like "first, ensure that..." or "it is essential to..." may be clearer. For example, "It is essential to review the safety guidelines before we follow the standard procedure."