but before that

USAGE SUMMARY

"but before that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce something that happened before a prior action. Example: I wanted to go to the beach, but before that I had to finish my chores.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But before that, there is denial.

The New York Times

"But before that".

The New Yorker

But before that a cigarette.

The Guardian

But before that it was something special.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But before that they had gone down.

The Guardian

But before that, it was America's outpost.

The New York Times - Books

But before that it was the French".

The Guardian

But before that there are plenty of notable run-ins.

The New York Times

But before that, we'll meet the next new group member.

The New York Times

But before that, something else was going to happen.

The New Yorker

But before that happened, we were living hand to mouth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but before that" to clearly indicate a chronological sequence, especially when contrasting two events or actions. It helps to establish a timeline for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "but before that" repeatedly in adjacent sentences, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your transitional phrases or restructure your sentences to maintain clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but before that" functions as a transitional phrase, specifically a temporal conjunction. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for introducing an event or action that happened prior to something already mentioned, providing a clear sense of chronology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but before that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used transitional phrase that serves to establish a chronological sequence, typically to contrast events. According to Ludwig AI, its primary contexts include news media and science, it is appropriate for neutral registers. To enhance clarity, avoid overuse, and consider alternatives such as "however previously" or "yet earlier" to prevent repetition. The phrase's prevalent usage and versatile application make it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however previously

Emphasizes a contrast with a prior situation.

beforehand though

Indicates something that happened earlier in spite of something else.

though formerly

Introduces a contrast to a previous state or action.

earlier than that nonetheless

Emphasizes temporal sequence with a hint of contrast.

yet earlier

Highlights an earlier event contrasting with the current one.

nevertheless earlier

Introduces something that happened before in spite of something else.

on the other hand previously

Presents a contrasting prior event.

even so previously

Acknowledges a previous action but introduces a contrast.

yet in advance

Highlights a prior action.

conversely in the past

Draws a contrast with a past situation.

FAQs

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

Use "but before that" to introduce an event or action that occurred prior to something already mentioned. For example, "I went to the store, but before that, I had to pick up my dry cleaning".

What are some alternatives to "but before that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "however previously", "yet earlier", or "though formerly", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but before that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but before that", especially to emphasize the sequence of events. The conjunction "but" introduces a contrast or exception, while "before that" clarifies the temporal order.

What's the difference between "but before that" and "before that"?

"Before that" simply indicates a prior time. Adding "but" introduces a contrast or unexpected element. For example, "I finished my homework, but before that, I played video games" implies a choice or sequence that might be surprising.