preliminary to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is a precursor or a necessary step before another action or event can take place. Example: "The research conducted was preliminary to the final report that will be submitted next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's too preliminary to name names," he says.

The Guardian

(This research is too preliminary to have results).

The New York Times

It was preliminary to a job, for payment".

Independent

The brunch had been arranged as a preliminary to dedication ceremonies for the new library.

The New Yorker

But the document was never seriously intended to be more than a preliminary to invasion.

The New Yorker

Males in many species discharge urine on females as a preliminary to copulation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said the findings of the internal memo were too preliminary to warrant a publication.

The New York Times - Health

The latter have been considered preliminary to the discovery of sequences or laws.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of the results are promising, he said, but they are too preliminary to discuss.

The New York Times

Reuters reported on Saturday that the talks were too preliminary to shed light on the nature of a possible transaction.

The New York Times

But Dr. Ridker cautioned that the evidence was still too preliminary to warrant such use of statins.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary to", ensure that the relationship between the preliminary action and the subsequent action is clear to the reader. Be explicit about what is being prepared for.

Common error

Avoid using "preliminary to" and "prior to" interchangeably if the intention is to emphasize preparation rather than just sequence. "Preliminary to" implies a preparatory step, while "prior to" simply indicates something happening earlier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary to" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating that something serves as a preparation or precursor to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and well-established in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preliminary to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates something serves as a preparation for something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid and widely used. It is most commonly found in science, news and media, and encyclopedic contexts and carries a formal or scientific tone. When writing, it's important to use "preliminary to" when highlighting the preparatory nature of an action, differentiating it from similar phrases like "prior to", which simply indicates sequence. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "preliminary to" to convey the intended meaning in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to

This alternative replaces "preliminary" with "prior", emphasizing the temporal sequence.

preparatory to

This alternative uses the adjective form of preparation, highlighting the preparatory nature of the action.

in advance of

This phrase focuses on the timing aspect, indicating something done ahead of time.

antecedent to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the preceding nature of the action or event.

as a prelude to

This alternative suggests that the action is an introduction or lead-in to something more significant.

as a warm-up for

This implies a preparation activity done before a main event or task.

leading up to

This phrase describes the activities or events that precede and prepare for something else.

serving as a basis for

This alternative underlines the foundational aspect of the preliminary action.

as a groundwork for

This emphasizes the establishment of a foundation for future developments.

paving the way for

This idiom describes how something makes it easier or possible for something else to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "preliminary to" in a sentence?

Use "preliminary to" to indicate that an action or step is a necessary preparation before another action. For example: "The data analysis was "preliminary to" the final report."

What can I say instead of "preliminary to"?

You can use alternatives like "prior to", "preparatory to", or "in advance of" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "preliminary to" and "prior to"?

While both indicate a sequence, "preliminary to" emphasizes the preparatory nature of the first action, while "prior to" simply indicates that something happened earlier. Use "preliminary to" when you want to highlight that the first action is a necessary step for the second.

When is it best to use "preliminary to" over other alternatives?

Use "preliminary to" when you want to emphasize that the initial step is specifically preparing for or setting the stage for something else, rather than just happening before it. This is especially useful in formal writing or when detailing processes.