prior to and subsequent to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prior to and subsequent to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to events or actions that occur before and after a specific point in time. Example: "The study examined the effects of the intervention both prior to and subsequent to its implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I recently stumbled across an old YouTube video in which the late writer David Foster Wallace was asked about what he calls "puff words" — terms like "prior to" and "subsequent to". Wallace's answer was striking.

Los Angeles Times

Elevated-plus maze (EPM) trials were conducted prior to and subsequent to the chronic treatment regimen.

Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior

We investigated the link between maternal cardiovascular disease prior to and subsequent to first trimester bleeding without miscarriage.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Prior to and subsequent to his retirement from the Darden School, Mr. Morton was active as a consultant and professional director to several corporations.

The New York Times

I have been a strong supporter of a free and open Internet and have indicated this both prior to and subsequent to being sworn in as chairman of the F.C.C.

The New Yorker

To this aim, the acute effects of amphetamine (0.125 or 0.25 mg/kg, s.c). on locomotion were assessed in RHA and RLA rats prior to and subsequent to 10 daily doses of either amphetamine (1 mg/kg, s.c).

Behavioural Brain Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Images of a 6 mm subsection of the one inch diameter core sample were obtained prior and subsequent to flooding to residual oil.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

The residual stress distributions have been mapped by synchrotron X-ray diffraction prior to cracking and subsequent to short (∼1 mm) and long (up to 6 mm) crack growth.

Acta Materialia

The effects of temperature on the evolution of soot precursors were observed just prior and subsequent to soot onset.

Combustion and Flame

Nevertheless, plaintiffs identify a number of new and, for lack of a better term, allegedly bad acts, relating predominantly to interoperability, taken by Microsoft both prior and subsequent to the imposition of liability.

The New York Times

We evaluated the deliverable treatment protocols and achievable outcomes for patients with GBM in a low-income country prior and subsequent to the worldwide adoption of temozolomide.

Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using the phrase "prior to and subsequent to". In many cases, simpler alternatives like "before and after" are more appropriate and easier to understand.

Common error

Avoid using "prior to and subsequent to" in informal writing. The phrase can sound pretentious or overly formal in casual contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "before and after" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior to and subsequent to" functions as a temporal connector, indicating a sequence of events or actions both before and after a specific point in time. As noted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prior to and subsequent to" is a grammatically sound way to indicate events occurring before and after a specific time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, though it notes the phrase leans towards formality. Predominantly found in science and news media, the phrase serves to establish clear temporal relationships. When writing, consider the context; simpler phrases like "before and after" may be more appropriate for less formal settings. Remember, while accurate, overusing formal phrases can make your writing sound stilted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before and after

Replaces the formal "prior to and subsequent to" with simpler, more direct language.

leading up to and following

Emphasizes a process or sequence of events before and after a specific point.

preceding and succeeding

Uses more formal synonyms for "before" and "after", maintaining a similar tone.

in advance of and after

Highlights the preparatory aspect before and the result after the event.

previous to and following

Uses "previous to" as a slightly more formal alternative to "prior to".

earlier than and later than

Focuses on the comparative aspect of time relative to a reference point.

beforehand and thereafter

Emphasizes the sequence with adverbs indicating time relation.

antecedent and consequent to

Introduces more technical or formal terms for the temporal relationship.

up to and beyond

Suggests a limit or boundary, referring to time before and after a certain point.

up until and from then on

Highlights a transition point with a clear indication of the temporal shift.

FAQs

What does "prior to and subsequent to" mean?

The phrase "prior to and subsequent to" means before and after a specific event or time. It's a formal way of indicating a sequence or temporal relationship.

Is it better to say "before and after" or "prior to and subsequent to"?

It depends on the context. "Before and after" is generally simpler and more direct. Use "prior to and subsequent to" in formal or technical writing where precision is important. Consider your audience and the desired tone. Choose depending on the audience and the level of formality you want to achieve.

What are some alternatives to "prior to and subsequent to"?

Some alternatives include "before and after", "leading up to and following", or "preceding and succeeding". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

How can I use "prior to and subsequent to" in a sentence?

Example: "The study examined the effects of the intervention both prior to and subsequent to its implementation." Ensure the sentence remains clear and concise, even with the formal phrasing.