tell beforehand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tell beforehand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to inform you about something in advance or prior to a specific event or action. Example: "Please tell beforehand if you plan to attend the meeting so we can arrange seating accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"How can I tell beforehand that when this stock starts trading it should go up?" he asked.

The New York Times

In contrast, the win over Wales last month was their first in five games at Wembley with Fabio Capello indicating he could tell beforehand that England would struggle.

Independent

We had a rough idea that the Games would be wonderful, but of course there is no way to tell beforehand precisely how much.

The Guardian - Sport

I think pregaming will affect the game, positively and negatively for different contestants, and I don't think you can tell beforehand how it will impact you.

Huffington Post

Doctors can always tell beforehand how a person is going to respond to the medication they prescribe.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Libyans, however, were not told beforehand about the raid on Saturday.

The New York Times

"Everybody was told beforehand I wasn't going to be carrying the torch or touching it".

The New York Times

A meeting will be arranged, and the employee should be told beforehand what it is about.

The Guardian

He was told beforehand that an unencrypted message had been inserted.

The New York Times - Science

First, if using a debit card abroad make sure the bank is told beforehand.

The Guardian - Money

Generally, we like to be told beforehand if group activities are to be a feature of an evening.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tell beforehand", ensure the context clearly indicates that the information is being conveyed prior to a specific event or decision. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the recipient understands the timing of the communication.

Common error

Avoid using "tell beforehand" when the information is given at the same time as the event. This phrase emphasizes providing information in advance, so using it for simultaneous communication can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tell beforehand" functions as a directive, urging or implying the need to communicate something in advance. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is used to emphasize prior notification.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tell beforehand" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the importance of providing information in advance. While Ludwig AI deems it correct and usable, it's slightly less formal than alternatives like ""inform in advance"" or ""notify beforehand"". Its primary function is directive, aiming to ensure awareness and preparation. Found mainly in news and scientific contexts, its frequency is uncommon, suggesting that more formal alternatives are often preferred in professional settings. When clarity and anticipation are key, "tell beforehand" serves as a useful and straightforward expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inform in advance

Replaces "tell" with a more formal synonym and maintains the "beforehand" aspect.

notify beforehand

Similar to "inform in advance", using another formal synonym for "tell".

advise ahead of time

Substitutes "tell" with "advise" and "beforehand" with "ahead of time", offering a slight shift in tone.

warn in advance

Implies a potential negative outcome, adding a layer of caution not necessarily present in the original phrase.

let know beforehand

Uses a more informal phrasing while keeping the core meaning intact.

give prior notice

Emphasizes the act of providing official or formal notification.

pre-warn

A shorter, more direct way of saying "warn beforehand".

forewarn

A single word synonym for "warn beforehand", suggesting a formal or literary context.

predict in advance

Shifts the meaning to predicting something rather than just informing.

anticipate and inform

Combines prediction with the act of informing, adding a layer of proactivity.

FAQs

How can I use "tell beforehand" in a sentence?

You can use "tell beforehand" to emphasize informing someone in advance of something. For example, "Please "inform in advance" if you cannot attend the meeting" or "Did anyone "notify beforehand" the authorities about the incident?".

What does "tell beforehand" mean?

"Tell beforehand" means to inform someone about something before it happens or before a specific time. It emphasizes providing information in advance.

What are some alternatives to "tell beforehand"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""inform in advance"", ""notify beforehand"", or "advise ahead of time". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to say "tell beforehand" or "inform in advance"?

Both "tell beforehand" and ""inform in advance"" are correct, but ""inform in advance"" is generally considered more formal. "Tell beforehand" is more conversational.