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
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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
Lawyers for the Harris County traffic cop said missteps by an officer prior to an escalating event do not strip them of the right to self-defense thereafter.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 16 May 2025
According to a statement from the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s office, Whiting was found in a bedroom with a gunshot wound to the head that occurred prior to the fire.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025
That said, Demi and Bret were vacationing in Europe together prior to the trip to the villa, and he's continued to support her amid rumors.
—Brianne Tracy, People.com, 14 May 2025
Erik and Lyle Menendez appeared in court via video camera from the San Diego prison where they are incarcerated and were each given a chance to address the court prior to their sentencing.
—Stepheny Price , Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2025
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Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 16 May 2025
According to a statement from the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s office, Whiting was found in a bedroom with a gunshot wound to the head that occurred prior to the fire.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025
That said, Demi and Bret were vacationing in Europe together prior to the trip to the villa, and he's continued to support her amid rumors.
—Brianne Tracy, People.com, 14 May 2025
Erik and Lyle Menendez appeared in court via video camera from the San Diego prison where they are incarcerated and were each given a chance to address the court prior to their sentencing.
—Stepheny Price , Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 14 May 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 22 May. 2025.
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