prior to the start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'prior to the start' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in any context to refer to something that occurred before another event or activity begins. For example, "The team had a meeting prior to the start of the game to discuss their strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No need to sign on prior to the start time.

Columbia University

Five days prior to the start of the study, an intrathecal cannula operation was performed.

Nature

A permit must be issued prior to the start of this type of activity.

The New York Times

Sami gathering their reindeer prior to the start of the spring migration, near Kautokeino, Norway.

Britannica

Surveys were completed prior to the start of classes.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Request 3 weeks prior to the start of class.

Johns Hopkins University

Figure 4 shows the setup prior to the start of the structural test.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

All patients gave informed consent prior to the start of the wrist examination.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Prior to the start of the intervention, students and teachers were administered a pretest.

International Journal of STEM Education

Rats were acclimated in metabolism cages for 72 h prior to the start of the study.

Chemistry Central Journal

Physician participants were not allowed to practice prior to the start of the study.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prior to the start" to clearly indicate the sequence of events, emphasizing that one action or state precedes another. For example, 'All data must be submitted "prior to the start" of the experiment.'

Common error

Avoid using "prior to the start" when "before" suffices. While grammatically correct, "prior to the start" can sometimes be more verbose than necessary. Consider if simply using "before" maintains clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior to the start" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a time relationship. It specifies that an action or condition exists before a particular event or activity commences. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

25%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prior to the start" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that clearly indicates a temporal sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in scientific, news and academic contexts, fulfilling the purpose of establishing that one action or state precedes the beginning of another. While slightly more formal than alternatives like "before", it offers precision and is favored in contexts requiring clear sequencing. Writers should avoid redundancy by considering if "before" sufficiently conveys the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to commencement

A more concise and formal alternative to the original phrase.

before commencement

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the official beginning of an event.

ahead of the kickoff

This is often used in the context of sports or events that have a distinct starting point.

preceding the initiation

This is a more formal and technical way of saying before something begins, often used in scientific or procedural contexts.

in advance of the commencement

Emphasizes the proactive nature of doing something before the start.

leading up to the beginning

This phrase emphasizes the time leading to the start.

earlier than the inception

This is a more formal way of saying before the start and focuses on the point at which something began.

preliminary to the outset

This alternative is quite formal and highlights the introductory nature of an event

antecedent to the start

This phrase is a more academic and formal way of expressing something that precedes the start.

before the get-go

This is an informal idiom meaning from the very beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "prior to the start" in a sentence?

You can use "prior to the start" to indicate that something happens before an event or activity begins. For example, 'Please ensure all equipment is calibrated "prior to the start" of the experiment.'

What's a simpler way to say "prior to the start"?

A simpler alternative is "before". For example, instead of saying "prior to the start of the meeting", you can say "before the meeting".

Is "prior to the start" formal or informal?

"Prior to the start" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "before". It's suitable for academic, professional, or official contexts.

What is the difference between "before" and "prior to the start"?

While both indicate precedence, "prior to the start" explicitly refers to the commencement of something, whereas "before" is a more general term that may not specifically relate to a beginning. The choice depends on the desired level of precision.