Usage of Prior to
Although prior to is occasionally criticized as a pretentious way of saying before, it is well-established in formal contexts, such as the annual reports of corporations. In some of these contexts, it serves to emphasize the procedural nature of something.
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
The conference had sent at least one team to the championship game for eight straight years prior to the 2022 season, but the NIL era seems to have brought about newfound parity in college football.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Up to 70% of all neural tube birth defects can be prevented when people consume 400 micrograms of folic acid prior to conception, according to the California Department of Public Health.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
january 12, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
About the fans who knew him prior to tonight and those who may know him a bit better now.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
The University of Florida has seen a 32% increase in students going abroad over the past year by incorporating study abroad information sessions into the student onboarding process, prior to students matriculating, and by increasing campus awareness through the UF International Center.
—Brian Harfe, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prior to
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J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Up to 70% of all neural tube birth defects can be prevented when people consume 400 micrograms of folic acid prior to conception, according to the California Department of Public Health.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
january 12, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
About the fans who knew him prior to tonight and those who may know him a bit better now.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
The University of Florida has seen a 32% increase in students going abroad over the past year by incorporating study abroad information sessions into the student onboarding process, prior to students matriculating, and by increasing campus awareness through the UF International Center.
—Brian Harfe, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
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 15 Jan. 2026.
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