preceding the start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preceding the start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that occurs before the beginning of an event or process. Example: "The team held a meeting preceding the start of the project to discuss the objectives and timelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With a bye week preceding the start of the next quarter, Groh warned: "We're starting the second quarter of the season at 0-0".

The New York Times - Sports

Under regulations recently adopted by the state's Department of Environmental Conservation, this two-day weekend youth hunt will be an annual affair, preceding the start of the regular spring season by at least three days.

The New York Times - Sports

With talk of cross-river rivalries and heated feelings preceding the start of the first-round playoff series between the Knicks and the Nets, it was a defining image of a 107-83 victory by the Nets on Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

The tragedy in Haiti's capital prompted the government to cancel the last day of Carnival – the raucous celebrations preceding the start of Lent – and to declare three days of national mourning.

The Guardian

The next significant test for Testaverde will come when he faces live competition in a preseason game, but he conceded he had a nervous stomach for a few days preceding the start of this camp, with the anticipation of rejoining his teammates on the field consuming him.

The New York Times - Sports

A process evaluation has been carried out with a special focus on the effects of the implementation of the new unit on the wellbeing of the interdisciplinary team of caregivers during the first year of its existence and on the experiences with a residential training preceding the start of patient care activities and the weekly staff support meetings.

Patient Education and Counseling

Spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season.

Wikipedia

Each subject underwent a 2 –week run period preceding the start of the trial in which asthma symptoms were recorded.

Plosone

Thus, a total of 750 stimuli were delivered over about 30 minutes preceding the start of the PET acquisition (Figure 3).

Plosone

As a corroborative datum, a 10 min boiling step of the protein extract preceding the start of Hz formation assay reduced its ability to initiate Hz nucleation.

Plosone

Another feature suggestive of an RNA intermediate in a few genes in A. carterae is a trans-spliced leader like sequence preceding the start codon in the genomic sequence.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preceding the start", ensure the context clearly defines what "start" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the timeframe being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "preceding the start" in overly casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "before" or "just before" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preceding the start" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause by indicating a temporal relationship. It specifies the timing of an event relative to a defined beginning, such as 'preceding the start of the season'. As Ludwig AI correctly notes, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preceding the start" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase primarily functioning to indicate a time before the beginning of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in diverse contexts such as scientific writing, news reporting, and general explanations. While versatile, remember it is more appropriate for neutral to formal writing. When seeking alternatives, simpler options such as "before the start" or "prior to the beginning" can often work well, adjusting to formality level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coming before the start

A simpler, more direct restatement of the original phrase.

before the commencement

Replaces "preceding" with "before" and "start" with the more formal "commencement".

prior to the beginning

Uses "prior to" instead of "preceding" and "beginning" instead of "start", slightly more formal.

leading up to the commencement

Emphasizes the process of something leading to the beginning using "leading up to".

just before the opening

Uses "opening" to replace "start", suitable when referring to events or performances.

in anticipation of the commencement

Highlights the expectation or preparation for the start, using a more anticipatory tone.

preparatory to the initiation

A more formal and technical alternative, suitable for academic or official contexts.

in advance of the kickoff

Uses the more informal term "kickoff" to mean start, implying a more casual setting.

antecedent to the genesis

Employs sophisticated vocabulary like "antecedent" and "genesis", fitting a philosophical or historical context.

foretelling the inception

Suggests a predictive or foreshadowing element before the start, using "foretelling".

FAQs

How can I use "preceding the start" in a sentence?

You can use "preceding the start" to indicate an event or action that happened before something else began. For example, "The team held a meeting preceding the start of the project."

What can I say instead of "preceding the start"?

You can use alternatives like "before the commencement", "prior to the beginning", or simply "before" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "before the start" or "preceding the start"?

Both "before the start" and "preceding the start" are grammatically correct. "Before the start" is simpler and more common, while "preceding the start" can add a slightly more formal or technical tone.

What is the difference between "following the start" and "preceding the start"?

"Preceding the start" refers to what comes before something begins, while "following the start" refers to what comes after something begins. They are opposite in meaning.