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
When asked prior to Sunday’s game at New Orleans what would be a key for success, the first thing Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said was that his squad must protect the paint against the Pelicans.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2026
In the 12 months prior to Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, 1,202 immigrants without legal status were arrested in Colorado.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
Be sure to eat well prior to donation, drink fluids and bring a photo ID.
—Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026
The judge also expressed doubt that Carroll's medical needs would be met if imprisoned, and believed Carroll, who had no criminal offenses prior to the crash, would respond well to the terms of the probation.
—Logan Smith, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prior to
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Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2026
In the 12 months prior to Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, 1,202 immigrants without legal status were arrested in Colorado.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
Be sure to eat well prior to donation, drink fluids and bring a photo ID.
—Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026
The judge also expressed doubt that Carroll's medical needs would be met if imprisoned, and believed Carroll, who had no criminal offenses prior to the crash, would respond well to the terms of the probation.
—Logan Smith, CBS News, 5 Apr. 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 7 Apr. 2026.
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