just before the start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just before the start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific time or moment that occurs immediately prior to the beginning of an event or action. Example: "We need to gather everyone just before the start of the meeting to ensure we are all on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once, they lined up just before the start of winter.

The New York Times

Just before the start, Karolyi told her team: "Be positive.

The New York Times - Sports

They both fell in love with Anna, just before the start of World War II.

Princeton University

Check back here just before the start of each meeting, then follow that link.

Harvard University

He was born in Romania in 1914, just before the start of the First World War.

The New Yorker

LONDON — Just before the start of each race the crowd goes silent.

The New York Times

Shannon received a four-year extension just before the start of the 2010 season.

The New York Times - Sports

He signed a $64 million, eight-year contract extension just before the start of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

The volume of the liquid-like particles just before the start of their transformation to solid is about five times larger than the volume of mature primary particles.

Combustion and Flame

Antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery refers to a very brief course of an antimicrobial agent initiated just before the start of the procedure.

Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica

Train travel between the Koreas ended just before the start of the Korean War in 1950.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "just before the start", ensure that the context clearly defines what event or activity is starting. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "just before the start" when referring to events that have a prolonged or indefinite beginning. This phrase is best suited for specific, well-defined starting points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just before the start" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the timing of an action or event relative to the commencement of something. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just before the start" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something happens in close temporal proximity to the beginning of an event. As Ludwig indicates, it is widely used across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, clarify what "the start" refers to in order to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "immediately preceding the commencement" exist, "just before the start" offers a balance of clarity and informality appropriate for many situations. It is important to avoid using this phrase in scenarios lacking a defined beginning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seconds before it begins

Emphasizes the brief time frame using "seconds" and replaces "start" with "begins", which is slightly less formal.

on the verge of starting

Highlights the anticipation using "on the verge" and maintains the original meaning with a slight shift in emphasis.

just prior to launch

Replaces "before the start" with "prior to launch", suggesting a formal beginning or release of something.

immediately preceding the commencement

Replaces "just before" with a more formal and precise term, "immediately preceding," and uses "commencement" instead of "start" for increased formality.

moments before the kickoff

Uses "moments" to denote a short time and replaces "start" with "kickoff," which is more suitable for events like sports or projects.

shortly preceding the commencement

Similar to 'immediately preceding the commencement' but uses "shortly" for a slightly less intense immediacy.

right at the brink of initiation

Emphasizes the imminence of the event using "brink" and substitutes "start" with "initiation," adding a sense of formality and impending action.

in the lead-up to the beginning

Focuses on the preparatory phase using "lead-up" and replaces "start" with "beginning," making it slightly less direct.

close to the inception

Replaces "start" with "inception", adding a formal tone and emphasizing the initial stage or creation of something.

at the threshold of beginning

Uses "threshold" to indicate the point of entry or start, adding a metaphorical sense to the imminent commencement.

FAQs

How can I use "just before the start" in a sentence?

You can use "just before the start" to indicate an action or event that occurs immediately preceding the commencement of something else. For instance: "The team gathered just before the start of the game."

What are some alternatives to "just before the start"?

Alternatives include "immediately preceding the commencement", "right at the brink of initiation", or "moments before the kickoff" depending on the formality and specific context.

Is it correct to say "right before the start" instead of "just before the start"?

Yes, "right before the start" is also correct and commonly used. It carries a similar meaning and can be used interchangeably in many contexts with "just before the start".

What is the difference between "just before the start" and "immediately before the start"?

"Immediately before the start" implies a slightly shorter interval than "just before the start". While both indicate close proximity in time, "immediately" emphasizes the direct and almost simultaneous nature of the events.