prior to completion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prior to completion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a time or event that happened before something else was finished. For example, "We must submit the paperwork prior to completion of the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After entering into an apprenticeship program, an individual has three choicesi: staying in the program; leaving the program prior to completion; or completing the program.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

At this point, samples were stored at −20°C prior to completion of the extraction and QT-NASBA analysis.

Plosone

Each of our residents completes an independent research project prior to completion of residency training.

Cornell University

Patients completed this set of questionnaires prior to completion of the symposium.

Cancer Medicine

Also, some patients who completed the baseline survey died prior to completion of the follow-up survey at 6 months.

Critical Care

Prior to completion of the program, doctoral students must complete at least one assignment as a teaching assistant (TA).

Princeton University

Users were expected to complete a set number of tasks in each of these areas prior to completion.

BMJ Open

Rents and lot values rose prior to completion, and now seem to be climbing further.

The New Yorker

§ 797.6 Administrative offset prior to completion of procedures.

Cornell University

We would reiterate that it is premature for anyone to draw conclusions prior to completion of the IPCC's investigation".

The Guardian

Creating opportunities for students to build their resumes prior to completion of college.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prior to completion", ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes "completion". Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "prior to completion" vaguely. If you mean before a specific stage within a project, state that stage clearly instead of relying on a general understanding of "completion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior to completion" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It specifies the timing of an event or action in relation to the finishing of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

Academia

25%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prior to completion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier to indicate the timing of an event relative to the finished state of something. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for academic, scientific, and professional contexts. It's essential to clearly define what "completion" entails in order to prevent vagueness. Alternatives such as "before finalizing" or "ahead of completion" can be used for nuanced variations. Remember to be precise in your language and consider the level of formality appropriate for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ahead of completion

Using "ahead of" suggests anticipation or progress leading up to the completion, adding a nuance not present in the original phrase.

previous to finishing

This version uses "finishing" instead of "completion", making it slightly less formal.

before finalizing

This alternative emphasizes the act of making something final or official, implying a slightly different focus than the original phrase.

in advance of concluding

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the concluding stage of a process.

before the culmination

This alternative uses "culmination", which implies a high point or climax, adding a layer of significance.

earlier than the finish

The phrase is less formal and more descriptive, focusing on the end point of an activity.

preceding the fulfillment

Replacing "completion" with "fulfillment" suggests achieving a goal or satisfying a requirement.

before the wrap-up

This alternative is informal and colloquial, suitable for casual contexts.

in anticipation of the end

This phrase emphasizes the expectation or preparation for the ending of something.

preliminary to the outcome

This alternative focuses on the steps or actions taken before the final result or outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "prior to completion" to indicate that something must happen or be done before something else is finished. For example, "All safety checks must be done "prior to completion" of the construction project."

What are some alternatives to saying "prior to completion"?

You can use alternatives like "before finalizing", "ahead of completion", or "previous to finishing", depending on the context.

Is there a more formal way to say "prior to completion"?

Yes, a more formal alternative would be "in advance of concluding" or "preceding the fulfillment". These phrases add a layer of sophistication.

What's the difference between "before completion" and "prior to completion"?

While both phrases are similar, "prior to completion" is often perceived as slightly more formal than "before completion". The choice between them depends on the desired tone and register of your writing.