preliminary to starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary to starting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is a prerequisite or an initial step before beginning a task or process. Example: "The team held a meeting that was preliminary to starting the new project, ensuring everyone was on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Given that CD38 plays many important roles throughout the body, including the immune system, the data are "way too preliminary" to start pursuing drugs that would increase or alter its activity, cautions Frances Lund, a microbiologist at the University of Birmingham in Alabama.

Science Magazine

Back in November, Samsung announced preliminary plans to start testing Android 7.0 on its latest devices.

TechCrunch

Here's a preliminary list, just to start the discussion.

Forbes

§ 3271.12 What do I need to start preliminary site investigations that may disturb the surface?

Cornell University

Secondly, I chose a project that would provide the possibility of leaving the lab with my own project, keeping in mind that it is much easier to write start-up grants and apply for funding if you already have preliminary data and materials to start your research.

Science Magazine

Taseko got a greenlight to start preliminary work on the open pit copper and gold mine days before the new NDP-led BC government took office.

Vice

The most profitable place to start preliminary investigation of intelligence in the normal population may be with STX1A itself.

Plosone

Overall, the study aims to start the preliminary discussion concerning analysis and updating of the ontological foundations of TRIZ.

Procedia Engineering

The much-delayed inquiry is still in its preliminary stages and is due to start hearing evidence in public next year.

The Guardian

Abdel Qader also claims it is unusual that a religious group was asked to sign a "preliminary pact" as a requirement to start negotiations for an official recognition.

The Washington Post

Pope Francis has authorised the French church to start the preliminary sainthood investigation for the Reverend Jean Hamel, whose throat was slit by Islamist militants as he celebrated Mass in July.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preliminary to starting" to clearly indicate that an action or phase is a necessary precursor to the commencement of a subsequent activity. This helps to establish a logical sequence of events for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "preliminary to starting" interchangeably with phrases that imply purpose rather than sequence. For instance, instead of saying "The meeting was preliminary to starting the project" (implying sequence), don't mistakenly phrase it as "The meeting was in order to start the project" if the intent is to highlight the preparatory nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary to starting" acts as a prepositional phrase, typically functioning as an adjective modifying a noun or a noun phrase. It indicates that something is an initial or preparatory step before commencing a particular activity or process. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary to starting" serves to indicate that an action or step is preparatory before commencing another activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase itself is correct, it is infrequent. This suggests that while understood, it might be perceived as somewhat formal depending on the surrounding context. Related alternatives include "prior to beginning" or "preparatory to commencing". Using "preliminary to starting" helps clarify the sequential nature of tasks or phases, ensuring that preparatory steps are understood as necessary before the commencement of the next phase. It's valuable in contexts where clearly establishing a sequence is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preparatory to commencing

Replaces "starting" with the more formal "commencing" and "preliminary" with "preparatory", suggesting a formal tone.

as a prelude to beginning

Emphasizes the introductory nature of the action, framing it as a lead-in to the start.

initial step before starting

Highlights the action as the first in a sequence, explicitly mentioning the commencement.

precursor to initiating

Uses more formal vocabulary to indicate a thing that precedes and indicates the approach of something.

prior to launching

Emphasizes the activity that must happen before a launch or beginning of a project.

ahead of initiating

Suggests the action needs to occur before the start or initiation of something.

leading up to commencement

Focuses on the period just before the start, the transition period.

early phase of beginning

Points out the action as occurring in the initial part of a project or activity.

in anticipation of starting

Suggests planning or preparation because something is expected to start.

as an overture to starting

Frames the preliminary action as an introduction, similar to an overture in music.

FAQs

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

You can use "preliminary to starting" to indicate that an action or step is a necessary precursor before beginning something else. For example, "The data collection was "preliminary to starting" the analysis."

What are some alternatives to "preliminary to starting"?

Some alternatives include "prior to beginning", "preparatory to commencing", or "as a prelude to beginning", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "preliminary for starting" grammatically correct?

While "preliminary" can sometimes be followed by "for", in this context, "preliminary to starting" is the more grammatically sound and idiomatic choice. "For" generally implies a purpose or recipient, which doesn't fit the intended meaning of sequencing.

What's the difference between "preliminary to starting" and "in preparation for starting"?

"Preliminary to starting" emphasizes that one action directly precedes another, whereas "in preparation for starting" highlights the purpose of the action as readying for what's about to begin. The former is about sequence; the latter, about purpose. The phrase "in preparation for starting" focuses more on the intent.