Usage of Prior to
Sometimes termed pompous or affected, prior to is a synonym of before that most often appears in rather formal contexts, such as the annual reports of corporations. It may occasionally emphasize the notion of anticipation.
page makeup decisions are verified and approved prior to typesetting
—
Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
Examples of prior to in a Sentence
make sure all revisions are approved by the author prior to publication
Recent Examples on the Web
Viju Mathew Shifting gears from his degree in physical geography, Viju Mathew has spent the last decade covering most categories of the luxury market prior to becoming Robb Report's automotive editor.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 2 May 2025
The Nationals called off batting practice prematurely Wednesday when a member of their coaching support staff collapsed on the field prior to their game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
These can be repaired prior to listing, so there are no surprises when a prospective buyer makes an offer.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
Pretreat any stains with a stain remover of choice and blot with a dry white cloth to remove as much stain prior to washing.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2025
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Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 2 May 2025
The Nationals called off batting practice prematurely Wednesday when a member of their coaching support staff collapsed on the field prior to their game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
These can be repaired prior to listing, so there are no surprises when a prospective buyer makes an offer.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
Pretreat any stains with a stain remover of choice and blot with a dry white cloth to remove as much stain prior to washing.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prior to
Cite this Entry
“Prior to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prior%20to. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
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