什么是 “Prior to”？
“Prior to” 是一个正式的英语介词短语，意思是“在……之前”，常用于书面语或正式场合。它通常可以被更口语化的 “before” 替代。
例句： Prior to the meeting, please review the agenda.
注意： “Prior to” 后面接名词、代词或动名词（即 -ing 形式），不能直接接完整句子。
常见结构
- Prior to + 名词： Prior to lunch, we had a team discussion.
- Prior to + 动名词： Prior to leaving, she locked the door.
- Prior to + 代词： Prior to it, nothing like this had happened.
“Prior to” vs “Before”
两者意思基本相同，但使用场景略有不同：
- Before：通用，适用于口语和书面语。
- Prior to：更正式，多见于法律、学术或商务文件。
✅ Before the exam, I studied hard.
✅ Prior to the exam, I reviewed all notes.
✅ Prior to the exam, I reviewed all notes.
实用例句集锦
- Prior to joining the company, he worked as a freelancer.
- We must complete the safety check prior to takeoff.
- Prior to that event, no one knew the truth.
- Please submit your application prior to Friday.
- Prior to using this software, read the user manual carefully.
常见错误
❌ 错误：Prior to he arrived, we started the meeting.
✅ 正确：Prior to his arrival, we started the meeting.
✅ 或：Before he arrived, we started the meeting.
记住：“Prior to” 后不能接主语+谓语的完整句子，需改为名词性结构。