prior to commencing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prior to commencing" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something happened or will happen before something else. For example: "The students must complete their assignments prior to commencing the final exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, agreements regarding IP ownership should be formalized prior to commencing commercial development.

Harvard Business Review

Bethan gained experience working as a paralegal for 18 months prior to commencing her training contract in January 2012.

The Guardian

BA recommends that all passengers consider travel and medical insurance prior to commencing any flight.

Independent

Prior to commencing procedures subjects drank 300 ml water.

Fashion and Textiles

Legal consent for the use of the dataset was obtained prior to commencing this research.

IPSJ Transactions on Computer Vision and Applications

Permission was obtained from the hospital ethics committee prior to commencing the study.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Test substances were reconstituted and added to the scaffold prior to commencing the skin incision.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

Where this happens, staff receive extended periods of rest and recuperation prior to commencing their next shift".].

Vice

Allegedly, the three used an enhancement drug called Brugsmansia or the Angel's Trumpet prior to commencing their session.

Huffington Post

Prior to commencing this work the sequence for deer NGF was unknown.

Plosone

Prior to commencing this study two dynamometers were calibrated.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prior to commencing", ensure the subsequent action is clearly defined and directly related. Clarity enhances the sentence's impact.

Common error

Don't use "prior to commencing" when "before starting" suffices. Simpler language often communicates more effectively and concisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior to commencing" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a temporal relationship. It signifies the necessity of completing or performing an action before another action begins, as Ludwig examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prior to commencing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a temporal sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal and scientific writing where precision is valued. While alternatives like "before starting" exist, "prior to commencing" offers a more sophisticated tone. Remember to use it thoughtfully to avoid redundancy and ensure clarity in your writing. The phrase is commonly found in scientific and news contexts, reflecting its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before starting

Emphasizes the beginning of an action or process, differing slightly in tone.

before the start of

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the sequence.

previous to initiating

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal.

ahead of initiating

More formal and emphasizes a proactive approach.

in advance of beginning

Highlights the preparatory nature of the action.

preceding the initiation of

Highly formal and emphasizes the subsequent action.

before embarking on

Implies a significant undertaking.

in anticipation of starting

Emphasizes expectation and readiness.

until commencing

Focuses on the period leading up to the start.

on the eve of beginning

Suggests imminence and anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "prior to commencing" in a sentence?

Use "prior to commencing" to indicate something that must be done before another action begins. For example, "All participants must register "prior to commencing" the workshop."

What are some alternatives to "prior to commencing"?

You can use alternatives like "before starting", "ahead of initiating", or "in advance of beginning" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "prior to commencing" and "before starting"?

"Prior to commencing" is more formal than "before starting" but they are largely interchangeable. Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone of your writing.

When is it best to use "prior to commencing" instead of a simpler phrase?

Use "prior to commencing" in formal writing or when a more sophisticated tone is desired. In informal contexts, "before starting" or a similar phrase may be more appropriate.