just before then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just before then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific time that occurred immediately prior to another event or moment being discussed. Example: "I arrived at the party just before then, so I didn't see the surprise unfold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"My great nan died just before, then my dad died in May so at that time I had a lot going on but I also got to realise there is no excuses for what I did so you get to that point where you think: 'You know what?

The Guardian - Sport

Myst for the DS is slated for May 18 so we'll have a comprehensive review of it just before then.

TechCrunch

Regarding the interaction between three consecutive layers, if the messages common to layer (i.e., in ) are output just after, and if on layer, the set is taken just before, then there is no risk of pipeline hazard between layer and.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

The announcement is scheduled to start at 10 AM Pacific (1 PM Eastern) and we'll be bringing the news and details back to you as fast as humanly possible starting just before then.

TechCrunch

Just before then, heat the oil to 180C/350F, following the guidelines in the recipe above.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Just before then I had ME and I couldn't even complete a walk to the supermarket just five minutes away.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Following the eruption, the researchers divided the data into three periods: long before the eruption, just before, and then during and shortly after; they then plotted their interpretation of the density variations within the volcano for each time period.

Science Magazine

Analyzed samples had been collected just before and then at the 5 above described time points after vaccination.

Aging

Ethylene concentration is highest at anthesis, but declines to low levels upon fruit set; ethylene concentrations rise slightly thereafter and peak just before veraison then decline to low levels by maturity [ 33].

BMC Plant Biology

The debate over sharing nuclear security technology began just before then-Secretary of State Colin L. Powell was sent to Islamabad after the Sept. 11 attacks, as the United States was preparing to invade Afghanistan.

The New York Times

If you can't manage to cram the night before, then just study however you want to!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "just before then", ensure that "then" refers to a previously mentioned time or event to maintain coherence.

Common error

Avoid using "just before then" if the temporal reference for "then" is unclear or ambiguous. Ensure the reader knows precisely what moment "then" is referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just before then" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying a time relationship. As Ludwig highlights, it indicates the timing of an event relative to a previously mentioned point in time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just before then" functions as an adverbial phrase used to clarify the timing of an event in relation to a previously mentioned point. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news and media, scientific articles, and general writing, suitable for a neutral register. While there are more formal alternatives, it's generally precise and effective for sequencing events. When employing this phrase, ensure that the temporal reference is clearly established to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediately prior to that

Replaces "just before then" with more formal vocabulary, indicating a direct temporal precedence.

right before that

Uses more informal language than "just before then", implying a very close temporal proximity.

shortly preceding that moment

Emphasizes the brevity of the interval before the event.

in the moments leading up to it

Focuses on the process or time leading directly to the specified moment.

in the run-up to that time

Highlights the period of preparation or events occurring before the specific time.

in anticipation of that

Shifts focus to the expectation or anticipation of what will happen.

leading up to that point

Similar to "in the moments leading up to it", but can apply to a broader range of events or preparations.

on the verge of that

Suggests an imminence or near occurrence of the event.

at the threshold of that

Evokes a sense of being at the very beginning or edge of the specified time.

preceding that instance

A more formal way of saying before that particular occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "just before then" in a sentence?

Use "just before then" to specify an event occurring immediately before another event that has already been mentioned. For example, "The concert started at 8 PM; "just before then", the doors opened for seating".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "just before then"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "immediately prior to that", "right before that", or "shortly preceding that moment".

Is it more appropriate to say "just before then" or "right before then" in formal writing?

"Just before then" and "right before then" are both acceptable, but ""just before then"" is slightly more formal and may be preferable in academic or professional contexts.

How does "just before then" differ from "immediately after that"?

"Just before then" indicates an event preceding another, while "immediately after that" describes an event following another. They describe opposite temporal relationships.