even prior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even prior" is correct and usable in written English and can be used to indicate that something has been true for a long time or for longer than is usual.
For example: "The practice of eating breakfast has been popular even prior to the discovery of its nutritional value."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Watford, excellent even prior to the dismissal, would eventually capitalise.

The Guardian - Sport

Even prior to the elections, women were leading the campaign for more freedom.

The New York Times

Even prior to the enactment of the Terrorism Act 2006, such prosecutions were possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Actually, many women contacted me even prior to the release of the Access Hollywood tape.

The Guardian

Even prior to the decision in Basic Books, Inc. v. Kinko's Graphics Corp., 758 F. Supp.

Stanford University

"I think that Hal and Steve and I, even prior to opening in Washington, were pleased with it," he said.

The New York Times

Even prior to Bouazizi's death, public protests had erupted in Tunisia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The statement added: "A large portion of the recommendations in the report were implemented even prior to its release.

The Guardian

Angry to discover the use of photos without my agreement or even prior warning," she wrote on Twitter afterwards.

The Guardian

Conclusion: Morphological changes are present principally in the walls of venous but also arterial conduits, even prior to implantation.

International Journal of Cardiology

Even prior to the crisis, predictions for economic growth in 2014 hovered between 1 and 2percentt.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even prior" to emphasize that a condition or event was true or existed well before a specific point in time, adding weight to the timeframe.

Common error

Avoid using "even prior" with other redundant time indicators like "already before" because "prior" inherently means before. Stick to "even prior" for a concise expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even prior" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an action or state. It emphasizes that something existed or occurred earlier than a specified time or event. Ludwig’s examples showcase this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "even prior" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing that something occurred or existed earlier than a specified time. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, with particular prevalence in news and media, science, and academic writing. When using "even prior", consider its slightly formal tone and avoid redundant phrasing. Alternatives like "beforehand" or "previously" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earlier than

Directly compares two points in time, emphasizing the first one happened sooner.

beforehand

This is a single-word adverb emphasizing actions taken in advance.

before then

Specifically points to a time before a previously mentioned event or time.

in advance

This phrase indicates preparation or occurrence earlier than needed.

preexisting

Describes something that already existed at a certain point.

ahead of time

Similar to "in advance", but highlights scheduling or planning before an event.

previously

This adverb refers to a time before the current one, focusing on the past occurrence.

in anticipation of

Focuses on the expectation of something happening, leading to prior action.

antecedently

A more formal term suggesting something preceding in time or order.

preliminarily

Suggests something done as a preparation or introduction.

FAQs

How can I use "even prior" in a sentence?

You can use "even prior" to emphasize that something was true or existed well before a specific point. For example: "The company was struggling "even prior" to the economic downturn".

What can I say instead of "even prior"?

Alternatives include "beforehand", "previously", or "earlier than" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "even prior" or "even before"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "even prior" is often used in more formal contexts. "Even before" might sound more natural in casual conversation. The choice depends on the desired tone and register.

What's the difference between "even prior" and "long before"?

"Even prior" emphasizes that something was true or existed before a certain time, while "long before" emphasizes the duration of time that has passed since something occurred. So, the level of emphasis is the main difference.