prelude to

USAGE SUMMARY

"prelude to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe an event that establishes or sets the stage for a significant or larger event. For example, “The small party was a prelude to the wedding celebration.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prelude to a division.

University of California, Berkeley

"A Prelude to Violence?

Harvard University

This isn't prelude to Jeter bashing.

The New York Times

Mohaupt came through with "Prelude to Glory".

The New Yorker

They are the prelude to submission.

The New Yorker

Is the report a prelude to litigation?

The New York Times

Prelude to the Big One?

University of California, Berkeley

Bainbridge, Kenneth T. Prelude to Trinity.

Harvard University

Dialogue as a prelude to action.

Stanford University

Isn't all investment a prelude to consumption?

The Economist

It was the prelude to murder.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prelude to" when you want to emphasize that one event sets the stage or creates the conditions for another, more significant event. It suggests a causal or consequential relationship between the two.

Common error

Avoid using "prelude to" when you actually mean "postlude to". "Prelude" refers to what comes before, while "postlude" refers to what comes after. Using the wrong term can completely reverse your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prelude to" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically connecting a noun or event to a subsequent event or condition. It serves to indicate that the first element is an introduction or precursor to the second. As Ludwig indicates, it correctly introduces an event that sets the stage for a larger one.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prelude to" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that signals an introductory or preparatory event leading to something more significant. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase appears most often in News & Media and Academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. To enhance your writing, remember that "prelude to" suggests a temporal or causal link. Be mindful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like "postlude". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively integrate "prelude to" into your writing to create a better understanding of sequence and consequence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forerunner to

Indicates something that precedes and anticipates a future event; implies a more direct connection.

precursor to

Similar to 'forerunner', but suggests a less direct or obvious connection.

lead-up to

Focuses on the period or events immediately before a significant occurrence.

preparatory to

Highlights the aspect of getting ready or preparing for something.

antecedent to

A more formal term for something that precedes in time or order.

introduction to

Emphasizes the beginning phase or initial presentation of something.

opening to

Implies a starting point that provides access or opportunity.

genesis of

Highlights the origin or beginning of something, implying causation.

first step toward

Indicates an initial action taken in pursuit of a specific goal.

a taste of

Suggests a small initial experience that hints at something larger to come.

FAQs

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

You can use "prelude to" to describe an event that comes before and introduces something more significant. For example, "The economic downturn was a "prelude to" widespread social unrest."

What are some alternatives to "prelude to"?

Some alternatives to "prelude to" include "forerunner to", "precursor to", and "lead-up to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "prelude of" ever correct instead of "prelude to"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "prelude" in this context is "to". "Prelude of" is not standard usage and would be considered grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "prelude to" and "introduction to"?

"Prelude to" often implies a causal or consequential relationship, where the first event sets the stage for the second. "Introduction to" simply means the beginning or initial presentation of something, without necessarily implying a cause-and-effect connection.