Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
prior to finalizing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "prior to finalizing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to actions or considerations that need to take place before a final decision or conclusion is made. Example: "We need to gather all necessary feedback prior to finalizing the project proposal."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(20)
before completion
before concluding
ahead of finalizing
in advance of finalizing
pending finalization
until finalization
prior to ending
prior to elaborating
prior to concluding
prior to identifying
prior to finishing
prior to initiating
prior to finalising
in advance of settling
before finalizing
ahead of concluding
before perfecting
before completing
before we formalize
before we finalize
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
24 human-written examples
Two actual projects were referred prior to finalizing the database system's structure.
Science
However advanced approval is needed from college/unit HR prior to finalizing any arrangements.
Academia
A number of challenges and unknowns must be investigated prior to finalizing the design and parameter list.
Graduate students, including Columbia Engineering graduate students, are encouraged to check in with their home school prior to finalizing any travel arrangements for additional information.
Academia
On a call with reporters, Perez pointed out that prior to finalizing the rule the Obama administration listened to more than 270,000 public comments, many of which came from the US businesses.
News & Media
El Rey was created out of a series of conditions mandated by the Federal Communication Commission last year that Comcast had to meet prior to finalizing a deal to take control of NBC Universal.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
36 human-written examples
It's not uncommon for the first versions of Post stories to changed prior to being finalized for publication and inclusion in the newspaper's database, but this deletion was a mistake.
News & Media
GJS also contributed substantially to finalizing the manuscript.
Science
PAP and KV contributed to finalizing the manuscript.
The process can take up to a couple of months to finalize, and prior to the revised policy, IRB approval had to be submitted to the NIH with the investigator's final application (or before the study sections met), a requirement that sometimes clashed with NIH's grants schedule.
Science & Research
Clarity was confirmed through back-translation prior to pilot testing and finalizing the instrument.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Ensure all necessary steps are completed and reviewed before using "prior to finalizing" a document or decision. This helps prevent errors and ensures thoroughness.
Common error
Avoid using "prior to finalizing" when a more direct term like "before" suffices. Overusing formal phrasing can make your writing sound unnecessarily stilted. Sometimes "before finishing" is simpler and clearer.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "prior to finalizing" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the timing of an action in relation to the finalization process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid in written English and marks temporal sequence.
Frequent in
Science
45%
News & Media
30%
Academia
25%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "prior to finalizing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates actions or considerations that must occur before a final decision is made. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English across various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in scientific, academic, and news-related content, suggesting a formal register. For clearer and more concise writing, especially in informal settings, consider using alternatives like "before concluding" or "ahead of finalizing". By understanding its purpose and register, you can use "prior to finalizing" effectively to ensure thoroughness and accuracy in your communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
previous to finalizing
Replaces 'prior' with 'previous' maintaining a formal tone.
ahead of finalizing
Uses 'ahead of' to emphasize the temporal aspect of doing something before the act of finalizing.
before concluding
Replaces 'finalizing' with 'concluding' to suggest a similar process of bringing something to an end.
before completion
Focuses on the state before something is entirely finished, rather than specifically before finalizing it.
in advance of finalizing
Adds 'in advance of' to emphasize that the action occurs well before the finalization.
before the final version
Emphasizes the version status instead of the process.
leading up to finalization
Shifts the focus to the period leading to the finalization, rather than the specific act before it.
in anticipation of finalization
Highlights the expectation that finalization will occur.
pending finalization
Indicates that something is waiting for the finalization to occur.
until finalization
Specifies a time frame that lasts up to the point of finalization.
FAQs
How can I use "prior to finalizing" in a sentence?
You can use "prior to finalizing" to indicate that an action or consideration should occur before a final decision is made. For example, "Group and individual interviews were conducted "prior to finalizing" the survey instrument to assure that relevant questions were included."
What can I say instead of "prior to finalizing"?
You can use alternatives like "before completion", "before concluding", or "ahead of finalizing" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "prior to finalizing" or "before finalizing"?
Both "prior to finalizing" and "before finalizing" are grammatically correct, but "prior to finalizing" is generally considered more formal. The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.
What's the difference between "prior to finalizing" and "after finalizing"?
"Prior to finalizing" refers to actions or considerations that take place before a final decision or conclusion is reached, whereas "after finalizing" refers to actions that occur once the decision or conclusion is complete.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested