prior to the start of

USAGE SUMMARY

"prior to the start of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that happened or will happen before something else begins. For example, "We need to submit our application prior to the start of the new school year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Surveys were completed prior to the start of classes.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

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

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Prior to the start of the QILC, no practice utilized any type of IP screening tool.

Injury Epidemiology

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

All participants provided written informed consent prior to the start of any study procedure.

AAPS Open

The animals were acclimatized for 14 days prior to the start of the experiment.

Clinical Phytoscience

McKinley, 23, was placed on injured reserve prior to the start of the 2010 season.

Huffington Post

Prior to the start of the trial, the juror worked at a Publix supermarket.

Huffington Post

They are given prior to the start of the execution, he said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prior to the start of", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly defines what is starting. Avoid vague or undefined references to maintain precision.

Common error

Avoid using "prior to the start of" in overly complex sentences. Sometimes, simpler alternatives like "before" or "earlier than" can make your writing more concise and easier to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior to the start of" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the timing of an event in relation to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supporting its role in establishing temporal order. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prior to the start of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase for indicating the timing of an action or event before a specific beginning. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a prepositional phrase, establishing temporal order in various contexts, particularly in science, news and media, and formal business settings. While more formal than simply using "before", this phrase enhances clarity and precision in writing. Remember to avoid overcomplicating sentences and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before the commencement of

Emphasizes a more formal beginning point.

ahead of the beginning of

Highlights the temporal precedence more directly.

in advance of the commencement of

Combines "in advance" for emphasis with the formal "commencement".

previous to the initiation of

A formal alternative focusing on the act of initiating.

preceding the outset of

A slightly more literary alternative, using "outset" for beginning.

preliminary to the opening of

Highlights the preparatory nature of what comes before the opening.

earlier than the kickoff of

Uses "kickoff" to suggest a less formal or event-driven beginning.

leading up to the launch of

Suggests a preparatory period before a significant event or project.

on the eve of the start of

Emphasizes the time immediately before the beginning.

in anticipation of the dawn of

A more metaphorical and evocative way to express something before a new era.

FAQs

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

You can use "prior to the start of" to indicate that something happens before something else begins. For example, "All participants must register "prior to the start of" the conference."

What are some alternatives to "prior to the start of"?

Some alternatives include "before the beginning of", "ahead of the start of", or simply "before" depending on the context.

Is "prior to the start of" formal or informal?

"Prior to the start of" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, using just "before" might be more appropriate.

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

While both phrases have a similar meaning, "prior to the start of" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the sequence of events. "Before the start of" is less formal but equally correct.