before we go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before we go" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a point in time or a condition that should be addressed prior to leaving or proceeding with something. Example: "Before we go, let's make sure we have all the necessary documents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How much security can we bring before we go home?

The New York Times

The problem with Before We Go was the writing.

Huffington Post

"Just over to Billy's before we go".

The New Yorker

Before we go any further, a confession.

The Guardian - Opinion

Before we go on, a brief aside.

The Guardian - Books

We shouldn't kid ourselves before we go".

The New York Times - Sports

Let's have champagne before we go.

The New Yorker

O.K., reader, before we go any further, let's save time.

The New York Times

Before we go further, let me make an admission.

The New York Times

MR. LEHRER -- A closing piece of business before we go.

The New York Times

One last thing is our rituals before we go onstage.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before we go" in formal writing, consider replacing it with a more formal alternative such as "prior to our departure" for increased sophistication.

Common error

Avoid using "before we go" at the beginning of overly complex sentences. Long introductory phrases can confuse the reader. Instead, break down the sentence or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before we go" functions as an adverbial phrase, introducing a clause that specifies a time or condition that must be satisfied before a certain action (going) takes place. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly employed across a broad range of textual examples to mark the ending of a discussion, or preparation for action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before we go" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a final action or consideration before a transition or departure. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is widespread across various contexts, though primarily found in News & Media and Science domains. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "prior to our departure". Remember to use "before we go" strategically to enhance clarity and ensure completeness. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively integrate this phrase into your writing while avoiding common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before we depart

Synonymous, using a more formal verb.

prior to our departure

Formal alternative emphasizing the act of leaving.

before our leaving

More literal and slightly less common variation.

prior to proceeding

Focuses on continuing with an action rather than leaving.

before setting off

Replaces "go" with "set off", implying a journey.

before continuing

Similar to 'prior to proceeding' but less formal.

as we prepare to leave

Emphasizes the preparatory actions before leaving.

in anticipation of leaving

Highlights the expectation of departure and preparation for it.

before we take off

More informal, especially when referring to traveling.

on the verge of departure

Indicates imminence of leaving.

FAQs

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

You can use "before we go" to introduce a final action or consideration before leaving a place or finishing a task. For example, "Before we go, let's double-check that we have all our belongings."

What are some alternatives to "before we go"?

Alternatives include "prior to our departure", "before we depart", or "before leaving", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "before we go" formal or informal?

"Before we go" is generally considered neutral to informal. In more formal contexts, using a phrase like "prior to our departure" might be more appropriate.

Can "before we go" be used in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "before we go" may be too informal for strict academic writing. Consider alternatives such as "prior to proceeding" or "before we commence" for a more professional tone.