just prior to using

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just prior to using" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific moment or action that occurs immediately before another action, particularly in instructions or guidelines. Example: "Make sure to read the manual just prior to using the new software to ensure you understand all features."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Only do this just prior to using them, as the oils will start being released as soon as you bruise the leaves.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

All compounds were isolated and stored in powdered form (in the absence of light) and were formulated into DSMO stock solutions just prior to use.

Nature

These differed from previous explosives in that one of the ingredients was liquid and the mixture was made just prior to use.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the preparation chamber of the Vitrobot, a 3 μL sample was applied on a Quantifoil grid, which was surface plasma treated for 40 s at 5 mA just prior to use.

Nature

Moreover, PEG dissolves rapidly and therefore can be prepared just prior to use.

Nanoscale Research Letters

MTT (Fluka) was diluted to 5 mg/ml in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) just prior to use.

Chemistry Central Journal

Cover glasses were sequentially treated with poly-L-lysine (Sigma-Aldrich) and laminin (Sigma-Aldrich) just prior to use.

Plosone

For bubonic plague, Y. pestis CO92, grown as described above, was diluted in sterile PBS to the indicated dose just prior to use for challenge experiments.

Plosone

Just prior to use, the CpG stock was diluted 1∶5 in PBS to provide a 500 µg/ml working solution of which 25 µg was administered per injection.

Plosone

Just prior to use, the poly(I C) stock was diluted 1∶5 in PBS to provide a 500 µg/ml working solution of which 25 µg was administered per injection.

Plosone

Just prior to use for each immunization, aliquots of the AMVAD formulation were diluted to the immunization dose in a final concentration of 0.85% saline/20 mM CaCl2 (pH 7.1).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "just prior to using" to clearly indicate the timing of a preparatory step. This is especially useful in scientific or technical contexts where precise timing is important. For example, "Add the catalyst just prior to using the solution."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "just prior to using" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "right before" or "just before" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just prior to using" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying the timing of an action. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

News & Media

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just prior to using" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly within scientific and technical domains. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase serves to specify that an action must occur immediately before another, emphasizing the importance of timing. When writing instructions, it provides a clear way to sequence actions for optimal outcomes. However, it's important to consider the context; while appropriate in formal settings, simpler alternatives like "right before" or "just before" may be more suitable for casual communication. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use this phrase to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediately before using

Replaces "just prior" with "immediately", offering a more direct and less formal tone.

right before using

Uses "right before" for a more informal and immediate sense of timing.

right at the moment of use

Emphasizes the precise timing of the action.

shortly before using

Indicates a brief interval before the action, slightly less immediate.

immediately preceding use

Similar to 'directly preceding', but with a slightly stronger sense of immediacy.

directly preceding use

More formal and emphasizes the sequence of events.

just before utilization

Replaces "using" with "utilization", increasing formality.

immediately upon readiness

Focuses on the state of being ready as the point of action.

at the point of application

Suitable for contexts involving applying something, such as a substance or technique.

as soon as ready for application

Highlights the condition of readiness as the trigger for the subsequent action.

FAQs

How can I use "just prior to using" in a sentence?

Use "just prior to using" to specify an action that should occur immediately before another. For example, "The reagents should be mixed "immediately before using" them in the experiment."

What are some alternatives to "just prior to using"?

Alternatives include "immediately before using", "right before using", or "shortly before using", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis on timing.

Is there a difference between "just prior to using" and "immediately before using"?

While both phrases indicate a short time interval, "just prior to using" can sometimes imply a slightly less urgent or critical timing than "immediately before using". The choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis.

When is it best to use "just prior to using"?

"Just prior to using" is particularly suitable in formal, technical, or instructional contexts where precise timing is important. It provides a clear and unambiguous indication of when an action should be performed.