go before

USAGE SUMMARY

"go before" can be used in written English.
It is typically used as an idiom to imply that something or someone is more important, or has precedence over something or someone else. For example, "The safety of the workers must go before all other considerations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Do you go before?

The New York Times

Only a few days to go before MWC.

TechCrunch

(M-44; MGNREGA) I used to go before, not now.

BMJ Open

I didn't go before because no-one took me.

Unicef

"Everyone should go before the courts.

Independent

Cabins with bathrooms go before cabins without.

The Economist

Let's go before that happens.

The Guardian - Books

Go before this place disappears.

The Guardian - Travel

"That's O.K. You'll go before me".

The New York Times - Magazine

So go before you wreck everything.

The Guardian - Opinion

Should I go before it disappears?

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go before" to indicate importance, ensure the context clearly establishes what is being prioritized.

Common error

Avoid using "go before" when simply indicating sequence without implying relative importance or precedence. For example, instead of saying "The introduction should go before the body", consider "The introduction should precede the body" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go before" primarily functions as a phrasal verb indicating precedence, priority, or temporal sequence. As Ludwig AI explains, it implies that something or someone is more important, or happens earlier, than something else. Examples show its use in diverse contexts, from legal matters to daily routines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go before" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate precedence, priority, or sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, business, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "precede" and "take precedence" exist, "go before" remains a clear and effective way to establish order or importance. When using "go before", clarity and context are essential to ensure the intended meaning is accurately conveyed. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, though careful consideration of audience and tone is always advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come before

This alternative is nearly identical in meaning but offers a slight variation in wording.

precede

This term directly implies coming in advance or ahead of something else, focusing on the order of events.

take precedence

This phrase emphasizes the higher importance or priority of one thing over another.

be ahead of

Similar to precede but emphasizing being in front in terms of time or progress.

antedate

This is a more formal term indicating something existed at an earlier date.

lead the way

This idiom suggests going first to guide or show others the path.

pave the way

This highlights preparing or making something possible for what follows.

outrank

This term specifically refers to a higher position or status.

foreshadow

This indicates a hint or preview of something to come.

herald

This suggests announcing or signaling the arrival of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "go before" can be used to indicate precedence or priority, such as in the sentence "Safety must "go before" all other considerations".

What's the difference between "go before" and "precede"?

"Precede" typically refers to temporal sequence, whereas "go before" can also imply a sense of importance or priority. You might say "Dinner will "precede" the movie", but "Customer satisfaction must "go before" profits".

What are some alternatives to using "go before"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "take precedence", "come before", or simply ""precede"".

Is it always appropriate to use "go before" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "go before" might be perceived as slightly less formal than alternatives like "take precedence". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing between these options.