preceding to

USAGE SUMMARY

'preceding to' is not a grammatically correct phrase and is not typically used in written English.
A phrase like 'prior to' or 'leading up to' would be more appropriate. For example, "I spent the morning leading up to the meeting preparing my presentation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

To state the preceding to anyone who has worked in Iraq in recent weeks would be a waste of time.

The New York Times

Subsequently all the compounds structures were minimized by using MMFF94 force field [35] in MOE preceding to molecular docking studies.

Chemistry Central Journal

One can see that active zone integral velocity graphs are similar to generalized velocity behavior during the deformation process preceding to tensile (a) and shear (b) failure.

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

The primary outcome was relative change in systolic BP (SBP), comparing 1797 intervention with 2303 control team patients, from 6 months preceding to 6 months after the 14-month intervention period.

Duke University

The variations of the physics-mechanics rock properties preceding to the failure allows using the different geophysical methods sensitive to such variations with an objective to predict the failure.

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

The different behavior of the V┴ takes place preceding to different failure mode: velocity decrease for tensile failure starts at the lower stress level (σ/σs = 0.1 0.2) than it takes place for shear macrofracture forming (σ/σs = 0.6 0.7).

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The former Indiana governor then preceded to travel to California for a fundraiser.

The Washington Post

And again, he precedes "To be or not to be" by taking his pulse.

The New York Times

Then I turned to my startled family and preceded to glare, scold and cry.

The New York Times

All three then preceded to analyse the discussion, with one declaring: "Wow!

Independent

Caution samples were treated as positive samples since all of them were preceded to confirmation stage by HPLC-UV.

International Journal of Food Contamination

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "preceding to" in formal writing. Instead, opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "prior to" or "before".

Common error

A common mistake is to assume "preceding" can be directly followed by "to", similar to "according to". However, "preceding" typically functions as an adjective or part of a participial phrase, requiring a different preposition or construction. Always double-check preposition usage to ensure grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preceding to" attempts to function as a prepositional phrase indicating time, similar to "before" or "prior to". However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in favor of more standard alternatives.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the intention behind the phrase "preceding to" is understandable—to indicate something happening before something else—it's crucial to recognize that it's not considered grammatically correct in standard English. According to Ludwig AI, phrases like ""prior to"", ""before"", or ""leading up to"" are more appropriate and widely accepted. Whether you're writing formally or informally, opting for these alternatives ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prior to

Replaces "preceding to" with a grammatically correct and commonly used preposition indicating something comes before.

Before

A simpler and more direct way to express that something happens earlier in time.

Leading up to

Suggests a period of time before an event, implying a build-up or preparation.

In advance of

Indicates doing something ahead of schedule or preparing for a future event.

Ahead of

Implies being earlier in time or position relative to something else.

Previously

Adverb that indicates that something occurred at an earlier time.

Antecedent to

More formal way of saying something comes before, often used in academic or legal contexts.

Preliminary to

Describes something done as a preparation before a main action.

Preparatory to

Highlights the preparatory nature of an action preceding another.

Forerunning

Emphasizes the action of coming before, often suggesting a signal or precursor.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "preceding to"?

The correct way to express "preceding to" is to use alternatives like "prior to", "before", or "leading up to" depending on the context.

Is "preceding to" grammatically correct?

No, "preceding to" is not grammatically correct. Use alternatives like "prior to" or "before" instead.

How can I use "prior to" instead of "preceding to" in a sentence?

Instead of saying "preceding to the event", you can say ""prior to" the event" or simply "before the event".

What's the difference between "preceding to" and "prior to"?

"Preceding to" is not a recognized grammatical construction. "Prior to" is the correct and widely accepted phrase to indicate something happening before something else.