prior vs prior to

Both 'prior' and 'prior to' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Prior' is more commonly used in formal writing, while 'prior to' is more common in spoken and written English. The choice between them depends on the formality of the context.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 288 views

The word 'prior' is correct and commonly used in formal writing to mean 'before'.

"prior"

The word 'prior' is used as an adjective to mean 'before' or 'earlier'. It is often used in formal contexts.

Examples:

Please complete the form prior to the meeting.
The report was due two days prior to the deadline.

Show examples from the web [+]

No prior experience with scuba diving is required.
Your use of this Ancient device violates our prior agreement.
Issuer call subject to prior supervisory approval
No prior AutoForm training or experience is required.
Other services are available at prior arrangement.
There'll be no further communication without my prior authorization.
Officer Cowell compared this arrest to prior occasions.
No OT, unless prior authorization.
These results are consistent with those of prior retrospective studies.
You mean his prior assault charges.
The government requires prior resignation from pilots.
Certificates and credits from prior purchases may not be included.
In prior operations, we've had run-ins with the infected in these sectors.
No food or drink 12 hours prior, Wear comfortable clothing And make sure your affairs are in order.
Administered by an English general, with no prior knowledge of, or sensitivity to Ireland.
My client has no prior record.
Ivy-League educated, no prior arrests.
Cross-reference water temperatures with your list of prior deaths in the area.
That could have something to do with the prior brain damage.
An autopsy on his brain revealed some scar tissue caused by a prior trauma.

Alternatives:

before
earlier
preceding
antecedent
previously

'Prior to' is correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to mean 'before'.

"prior to"

'Prior to' is a prepositional phrase used to indicate something that happened before a specific time or event. It is more commonly used in everyday language.

Examples:

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the event.
I had never met him prior to that day.

Show examples from the web [+]

Something Dr Soong created prior to Data.
Three incidents of fugue prior to that.
Evidence of aggravated vomiting prior to death.
Everything prior to that was gone.
Doribax is reconstituted and then further diluted prior to infusion.
Rasagiline undergoes almost complete biotransformation in the liver prior to excretion.
Please consult your doctor prior to buying drug.
Recommended prior to any massage or body treatment.
May eliminate older color to prepare floor prior to portray.
Consult your health care professional for advice prior to scheduling the surgery.
Please review this information prior to making a booking.
Please read our General Terms prior to registering.
We exercise these prior to implantation.
Two liters saline and ten milligrams morphine prior to airway management.
We believe he had illicit financial dealings prior to his death.
Only with a death certificate, directly prior to the funeral.
But the neighbors reported seeing his car arrive home prior to hearing any screaming.
Adyghe society prior to the Russian invasion was highly stratified.
Fruits are often cooked prior to consumption.
Inspect the TYSABRI vial for particles prior to dilution and administration.

Alternatives:

before
earlier than
in advance of
preceding
in front of

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prior vs prior to

"prior"

"prior to"

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