draft ahead of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draft ahead of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of preparing a document or plan in advance of a deadline or event. Example: "To ensure we meet the deadline, it's important to draft ahead of time and review the document thoroughly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For those of you unfamiliar with the N.F.B.C., the National Fantasy Baseball Championship, one unique aspect is that you get to set your slot preferences for a standard snake draft ahead of time, and a lottery is then performed according to everyone's preferences ahead of time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And if you are presenting a poster, assemble a draft version ahead of time and hang it on the wall.

Science Magazine

He then brilliantly scheduled a defense date against the committee's judgment, neglected to give committee members a draft of his thesis ahead of time, and basically did everything possible to set himself up to fail, which he did.

Science Magazine

The Anderson Joes were managed not by Joe, but Kash Beauchamp, the long-time minor leaguer drafted ahead of Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett.

Vice

These names are taken from lists that vary from region to region and are usually drafted a few years ahead of time.

Wikipedia

NFL DRAFT Q: Any observations on the number-one draft pick being locked up ahead of time, perhaps as a bargaining arrangement with the Dolphins?

The New York Times

Morrow, 26, was drafted ahead of Lincecum in 2006.

The New York Times - Sports

In the first draft of the script Elaine and Jerry would realize ahead of time that the baby shower and the cable installation would take place at the same time.

Wikipedia

"I apologize ahead of time," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Think about your meals ahead of time.

The New York Times

"You can't rehearse ahead of time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When working on complex projects, always "draft ahead of time" to allow ample time for revisions and feedback. This approach helps to identify potential issues early on and ensures a smoother workflow.

Common error

Avoid waiting until the last minute to start drafting. While the phrase suggests planning, it's easy to misinterpret it as simply thinking about the task without actually putting anything down on paper. Start writing early to avoid rushed and poorly developed drafts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draft ahead of time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate when an action (drafting) should be performed. Ludwig's examples show it used to advise or describe preparing documents or plans in advance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

67%

News & Media

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draft ahead of time" is a grammatically correct and useful expression that advises proactive preparation, especially in writing and planning. Although relatively uncommon, it appears in diverse contexts from WikiHow articles to news reports, suggesting broad applicability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, further cementing its status as a reliable phrase. Whether it's preparing legal documents or planning meals, remember to "draft ahead of time" to ensure a smooth and well-prepared outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw up in advance

Specifically refers to the act of drawing up a document or plan ahead of schedule.

prepare in advance

Focuses on the act of preparing, omitting the specific mention of a draft.

plan beforehand

Emphasizes the planning aspect rather than the creation of a draft.

pre-plan

A shorter, more concise way of saying plan ahead of time.

create in anticipation

Highlights creating something with the expectation of a future need.

sketch out early

Suggests creating a rough outline or sketch before the final version.

develop preliminarily

Focuses on the initial stage of development, suggesting a preliminary version.

formulate early

Stresses the early formulation of an idea or plan.

lay the groundwork ahead

Focuses on establishing a foundation or basis in advance.

pre-arrange

Emphasizes the act of arranging or organizing something before it is needed.

FAQs

How can I use "draft ahead of time" in a sentence?

You can use "draft ahead of time" to suggest preparing a document or plan earlier than required. For example: "To ensure we meet the deadline, it's important to draft ahead of time and review the document thoroughly."

What is another way to say "draft ahead of time"?

Alternatives to "draft ahead of time" include "prepare in advance", "plan beforehand", or "create in anticipation".

What is the difference between "draft ahead of time" and "plan ahead of time"?

"Draft ahead of time" specifically implies creating a preliminary version of a document or plan, while "plan ahead of time" refers to strategizing and making arrangements in advance.

When is it most useful to "draft ahead of time"?

It is most useful to "draft ahead of time" when working on complex projects, preparing important documents, or when you anticipate needing time for revisions and feedback.