just before this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just before this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that occurred immediately prior to the current point in a text or conversation. Example: "The instructions for the task were outlined just before this section, so please refer back to them for clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This week, just before this article was published, the authority said the piping system in the building that distributes heat would be replaced this winter.

The New York Times

(He died just before this show opened).

The New York Times

"Just before this happened he paid off the house.

The New York Times

Having moved overseas just before this chat, I had to agree with her.

The New York Times - Tech

The fever lasted a couple of days, until just before this camping trip.

The New York Times

"We were told it was done just before this trip, but what just before this trip means, I don't know," Mr. Van Etten said.

The New York Times

Just before this dream comes to the screen one sees Casey.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Just before this week's rate rise, shares were still up by 9% so far this year.

The Economist

We have a new website coming online just before this year's British Invention Show).

The Guardian - Tech

But just before this year's election he was convicted of concealing $250,000 worth of gifts from a contractor.

The Economist

It also helped that, just before this week's talks, India confirmed that its cricket team would come to Pakistan in March.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just before this" to clearly establish a sequence of events, providing a temporal anchor for your narrative or explanation. This ensures clarity and helps the reader follow the chronology.

Common error

Ensure that the referent of "this" is unmistakably clear. If there's any chance of confusion about what "this" refers to, rephrase to specify the event or item you're referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just before this" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an action or event. It establishes a temporal relationship, specifying that something happened in close proximity to a subsequent event. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just before this" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that an event occurred immediately preceding another. It functions as an adverbial phrase, providing temporal context and establishing a clear sequence of events. Ludwig's analysis, along with numerous examples, shows its wide usage across news, scientific, and academic contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral, more formal alternatives might be preferred in specific writing situations to maintain a professional tone. Ensure the referent of "this" is always clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right before this

More informal alternative, suggesting a very close proximity in time.

just prior to this

A slightly more formal synonym for "just before this".

immediately preceding this

More formal alternative, emphasizing the direct sequence in time.

immediately prior to this

Formal and precise, highlighting the sequential order.

shortly before this

Indicates a brief period preceding the current point.

in the time directly preceding this

Similar to 'immediately prior', emphasizing direct temporal connection.

at the point immediately before this

Focuses on a specific moment right before the event.

in the moments leading up to this

Describes a period of time leading to the present event.

leading up to this

Focuses on the events that preceded "this".

in anticipation of this

Highlights preparation or expectation before an event.

FAQs

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

Use "just before this" to indicate that something occurred immediately prior to a specific event or point in time. For example, "The rain stopped "just before this", so the ground is still wet."

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

You can use alternatives like "immediately prior to this", "right before this", or "shortly before this" depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "just before this" and "immediately before this"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "immediately before this" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the direct sequence in time, while "just before this" is more common and neutral.

Can I use "just before this" in academic writing?

Yes, "just before this" can be used in academic writing, although more formal alternatives like "immediately prior to this" may be preferred to maintain a professional tone.