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
Afghan nationals were already on the entry ban list prior to the expansion.
—Hadriana Lowenkron Bloomberg News, Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025
The 93-room hotel will be equally accommodating, with oversized rooms, extra-wide hallways, sound-absorbing decor, and an AI concierge to make sure guests’ needs are met prior to arrival.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of winds.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Dec. 2025
To frame a puzzle without glue, securing it between a backing board and a piece of clear plastic or glass will be necessary prior to framing.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prior to
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Hadriana Lowenkron Bloomberg News, Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025
The 93-room hotel will be equally accommodating, with oversized rooms, extra-wide hallways, sound-absorbing decor, and an AI concierge to make sure guests’ needs are met prior to arrival.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of winds.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Dec. 2025
To frame a puzzle without glue, securing it between a backing board and a piece of clear plastic or glass will be necessary prior to framing.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 2025.
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