previous to their getting here

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previous to their getting here" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to events or actions that occurred before the arrival of a specific group of people. Example: "Previous to their getting here, we had already prepared the meeting room and set up the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"These people risked their lives to get here.

The Guardian

"We think it is well worth their journey to get here and well worth us getting together.

BBC

I understand those guys got to pay out of their own pockets to get here early".

The New York Times

Some of these women have walked hours on foot to get here, carrying their infants.

Unicef

So what we are getting here is the previous DVD releases packaged on Blu-ray.

Forbes

How to get here.

Los Angeles Times

How Did We Get Here?Like previous operations, the latest offensive is ostensibly targeted at Hamas, the political organization at the helm of the Gaza strip.

Vice

The superb Davis, who had scored five goals in his previous 76 caps, got two here.

Independent

Butcher has a raw, comic voice, but the thrilling narrative drive that propelled Carey's previous work gets mired here.

The Washington Post

People died to get their freedom here.

The Guardian

Listen to their conversation here.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using simpler alternatives like "before their arrival" or "prior to their arrival" for clearer and more concise writing.

Common error

Avoid using overly formal phrases in informal contexts. While grammatically correct, "previous to their getting here" can sound stilted in casual conversation. Opt for more natural phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previous to their getting here" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the timing of an event in relation to the arrival of a group. It establishes a temporal relationship, specifying that something occurred before their arrival. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previous to their getting here" is grammatically sound and functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a time before a group's arrival. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. However, it is quite formal and might sound stilted in many contexts. Simpler alternatives like "before their arrival" or "prior to their arrival" are often preferred for clarity and conciseness. Although there are no direct examples in the provided data, the phrase serves to establish a temporal sequence, specifying an action or state that occurred before their arrival. In summary, use this phrase with caution, favoring more straightforward wording when possible for better communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Before they arrived

Simple and direct alternative.

Before their arrival

More concise and common alternative.

Prior to their arrival

A slightly more formal synonym.

Leading up to their coming here

Emphasizes the period leading up to the arrival.

Up until their arrival

Focuses on the time until they arrive.

In anticipation of their arrival

Highlights the expectation before their arrival.

In advance of their getting here

Highlights acting in advance.

Ahead of them getting here

Uses "ahead of" to indicate a time before.

Previously to when they got here

Rephrases the sentence structure slightly.

The time before their arrival

Nominalizes the phrase.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "previous to their getting here"?

You can use simpler alternatives like "before their arrival" or "prior to their arrival" depending on the context. For example, "We finished setting up before their arrival" is more concise.

Is "previous to their getting here" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase is grammatically sound, but it can sound a bit formal. It means "before they arrived".

How can I use "previous to their getting here" in a sentence?

You might say, "Previous to their getting here, the team had already completed the initial phase of the project." However, consider rephrasing for a more modern tone.

What's the difference between "previous to their getting here" and "before their arrival"?

"Previous to their getting here" is a more formal way of saying "before their arrival". The latter is generally preferred for its simplicity and directness.