に先立って・
に先立って formally places an action before an important event or undertaking. The earlier action is often preparation, explanation, screening, confirmation, or another necessary procedure.
How the sequence works
The event named before the expression is the later, significant event. The action that follows happens earlier and normally helps prepare for it, explain it, confirm something needed for it, or reduce a risk connected with it.
The three main forms
新製品の発売に先立って、報道関係者向けの説明会を開きます。
Before launching the new product, we will hold a briefing for members of the press.
Analyze治療を開始するに先立って、患者本人の同意を確認した。
Before beginning treatment, the patient's own consent was confirmed.
Analyze調査に先立つ予備面談で、参加条件を説明した。
The participation requirements were explained during a preliminary interview preceding the survey.
AnalyzeThe shorter connective
に先立ち has the same basic time relationship as に先立って, but is more compact and written-leaning. It is particularly natural in reports, notices, and official descriptions of procedures.
式典の開催に先立ち、安全確認が行われた。
Before the ceremony was held, a safety check was carried out.
AnalyzeChoosing the right expression for before
Use 前に for ordinary daily sequencing. Use に先立って when a formal or consequential event is preceded by a meaningful procedure. By contrast, に際して presents something as occurring at or in connection with an occasion, not clearly earlier. に先駆けて can additionally mean acting ahead of others as a pioneer; the target expression does not carry that meaning.
朝ご飯を食べる前に、歯を磨いた。
I brushed my teeth before eating breakfast.
AnalyzeThis is an ordinary personal routine, so the neutral expression is natural.
More examples
公演に先立って、出演者による記者会見が行われた。
Before the performance, a press conference with the performers was held.
Analyze新システムを導入するに先立ち、全職員を対象に研修を実施する。
Before introducing the new system, training will be conducted for all staff.
Analyze手術に先立つ検査で、心臓の状態を詳しく調べた。
The condition of the heart was examined closely in tests preceding the surgery.
Analyzeデータを収集するに先立って、研究目的を参加者に説明します。
Before collecting data, we will explain the purpose of the research to the participants.
Analyze工事の開始に先立ち、近隣住民への説明会が開かれた。
Before construction began, a briefing was held for nearby residents.
Analyze採用に先立って、候補者の資格を確認した。
Before hiring, the candidate's qualifications were checked.
Analyze