but before starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but before starting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a condition or action that should take place prior to beginning a task or process. Example: "I have some important points to discuss, but before starting, let’s ensure everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

After being turned out of the White House in 1981 but before starting a successful public-relations firm, Powell wrote a book, "The Other Side of the Story," to set the record straight.

The New York Times - Magazine

But before starting to analyse, he pauses to appreciate the texts on which he is about to perform surgery, as if saying grace before carving the meat.

The Guardian - Books

But before starting, ask for a show of hands: How many of have either immigrated to this country or know someone of who did? Then ask students to open their notebooks to a new page and title it "Immigration perceptions".

The New York Times

But before starting her medical studies she worked full-time as a dancer in the Riverdance troupe and continued to perform part-time during her six years at Trinity medical school.

The New York Times

But before starting what could be lengthy litigation, the safest strategy for each importer, according to trade lawyers, is to pay immediately the duties and accrued penalties for shipments received since January, and to start paying the duty going forward.

The New York Times

But before starting the analysis, first the following assumptions are stated: A.8 In steady-state, the weight error vector v ̃ n takes the generic form z n ej Ωnwith the stationary random process z n independent of the frequency offset Ω.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Examiners will always give detailed instruction before each exercise but if before start an exercise you have any question, do not be afraid to ask.

WikiHow

The two suspects also spread an accelerant at the scene but fled before starting a fire.

The New York Times

But even before starting at Cafe Boulud, the chef knew his way around mirepoix and pot-au-feu, having worked with Gray Kunz at Lespinasse.

The New York Times

In fact, the woman who asked the question has since gotten engaged... but not before starting her own company.

Huffington Post

The Americans retreated toward Fort Anne in disarray, but not before starting a fire that eventually engulfed most of the structures at Skenesboro.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but before starting", ensure that the sentence clearly outlines what action or condition needs to be satisfied before the commencement of the main activity. This helps to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "but before starting" when the 'but' part overshadows the importance of the action that should happen before starting. Rephrase to give equal weight to both conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but before starting" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two clauses, indicating a temporal sequence where one action must precede another. Ludwig examples show its use in introducing conditions or prerequisites.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but before starting" is a grammatically correct and common conjunctive phrase used to emphasize the necessity of a preliminary action before the start of another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is prevalent in news, scientific, and general writing, maintaining a neutral tone adaptable to both formal and informal contexts. While "before starting" is sufficient, the addition of "but" emphasizes contrast or condition. It is vital to ensure that the sentence structure gives equal weight to both the condition and the main action for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, prior to commencing

Replaces "but" with "however" for a slightly more formal tone and "starting" with "commencing", which is more formal.

though, in advance of beginning

Swaps "but" for "though" and "starting" for "beginning" while adding the phrase "in advance of" for emphasis.

that being said, before getting underway

Introduces a common introductory phrase to signal a shift and replace "starting" with a common synonym.

yet, ahead of initiating

Uses "yet" as a contrast and "initiating" in place of "starting" for a more emphatic effect.

even so, previously to launching

Employs "even so" for continuity with contrast and substitutes "starting" with "launching".

nonetheless, preceding the start of

Uses "nonetheless" as a stronger contrast and adds "preceding the start of" to replace the single word "starting".

however, just before actioning

Maintains the contrast while using "actioning" instead of "starting".

still, preliminary to undertaking

Replaces "but" with "still" to continue the discourse with a degree of contrast and "starting" with "undertaking".

conversely, earlier than the commencement of

Replaces "but" with "conversely" to emphasize contrast and uses a more formal phrasing.

on the other hand, prior to setting in motion

Signifies a change in perspective with "on the other hand" and uses the more descriptive "setting in motion".

FAQs

How can I use "but before starting" in a sentence?

Use "but before starting" to introduce a condition or action that should take place prior to beginning a task or process. For example: "I have some important points to discuss, "but before starting", let’s ensure everyone is on the same page."

What can I say instead of "but before starting"?

You can use alternatives like "prior to beginning", "before we commence", or "ahead of initiating" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "but before starting"?

While "before starting" is sufficient, adding "but" can serve to emphasize a contrast or condition. Redundancy depends on context; it's not inherently incorrect "but before starting" use, check for flow and emphasis.

What's the difference between "but before starting" and "after starting"?

"But before starting" indicates a necessary preliminary step, while "after starting" refers to actions or conditions that occur once the process has already begun. They are opposite in temporal sequence.