Prior to meaning in English
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Definition
prior to (doing something): previous to, before (doing something)
I will look at this budget proposal prior to giving it to Bruno. I'll check it before I give it to him.
prior: before, previous, earlier
a prior notice advance notice
Pronunciation examples
UK: Prior to meeting Luke, I'd searched for information on him online.
US: The telephone company cancelled my plan without prior notice.
Examples
- "Let me see... I, Horatio Oléré, agree to the following... will not sell without prior permission from the Board... should I attempt to sell my shares... prosecution."
- "Please find enclosed copies of our prior communication, as well as the unpaid invoices in question."
- "He had a... prior engagement."
- "-In a recent survey, nearly 70% of customers indicated that they wanted their needs and desires met prior to having to ask."
- "Philip : I review and approve the final billing of our major clients prior to their invoice."
- "This letter should detail all prior communication that you've had with the client, the outstanding invoices, and the total amount owed to your company."
- "You are scheduled for a root canal, so be sure not to eat anything at least six hours prior to your surgery."
- "Also, please remember to be available for the thirty minutes prior to the appointment, in case Bruno wishes to begin early."
Exercise 1
Bethany advises Philip about a letter he should write.
Which of the following information or items does Bethany tell Philip to include in his letter?
Remember that there may be more than one correct answer!
Which of the following information or items does Bethany tell Philip to include in his letter?
Remember that there may be more than one correct answer!
Bethany advises Philip about a letter he should write.
Which of the following information or items does Bethany tell Philip to include in his letter?
Remember that there may be more than one correct answer!
Which of the following information or items does Bethany tell Philip to include in his letter?
Remember that there may be more than one correct answer!
Bethany does not advise Philip to include this notice. In fact, she tells him to state that he has the "intention to commence legal action against the debtor". This legal action has not yet begun, although it will if the situation is not resolved.
Philip should include this information in his letter. Bethany tells Philip to note "the total amount owed to (his) company", referring to the full amount of money that the client needs to pay. To "owe (Bruno some money)" means to "be in debt (to Bruno)" or to "need to pay (Bruno)". A "figure" is a value expressed in numbers, e.g. 64, or 456,061.
This is one of the things Philip should include in his letter. Bethany says that the letter "should detail all prior communication that (Philip has) had with the client". This means that Philip should include a list of the contact he has had with his difficult client. "Prior (correspondence)" refers to "past" or "previous" correspondence. This may include letters, emails, faxes, or phone calls.
Philip should include this in his letter. Bethany tells him to include "the outstanding invoices", which means that Philip should send the clients copies of the bills which have not yet been paid. An "outstanding bill" is money owed for goods or services, which remains to be paid.
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