Dear 1L: Prior to vs. Before

Dear 1L,

If you write “prior to” instead of “before,” I am curious.  Why?

I promise that using “prior to” does not make your writing better.

Nor does it make you sound more intelligent or well-read. In any event, sounding that way should be a given. It will not impress your reader, and it should NOT be one of your goals for persuasive legal writing.

⭐️ Your goals should include concise, simple, and direct language. Like clarity, these writing traits are top-of-list goals for legal writing.

📍 You gain nothing from choosing “prior to” over “before.”

    🔹 “Before” means the same thing as “prior to.”

    🔹 Writing “before” instead of “prior to” does not change meaning. 

    🔹 Writing “prior to” is less concise, simple, and direct.

In fact, I struggle to think of any sentence where using “prior to” instead of “before” is better.

Can you?

I welcome your thoughts.

Fondly,

💌 Amanda

June 7, 2022

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