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prior to the deadline
/ˈpraɪər tu ðə ˈdɛdlaɪn/
before the due date
Please submit your report prior to the deadline.
This means the report must be submitted before the specified due date.
formal
before the specified due date
The payment must be made prior to the deadline to avoid penalties.
The payment should be completed before the due date to prevent late fees.
All applications received prior to the deadline will be reviewed.
Only applications submitted before the cutoff date will be considered.
Commonly used in academic, professional, and legal contexts to indicate a strict time boundary.
Collocations
submit prior to the deadlineto turn in work before the due datedeadline prior toused in formal notices to indicate an earlier cutoff
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'prior to the deadline' in formal emails, academic papers, or legal documents. In casual conversation, prefer 'before the deadline' for simplicity.
Gold Rule
Precision in Time References
Use 'prior to the deadline' when you need to emphasize the importance of completing a task strictly before the cutoff time.
Word Origin
The phrase combines the Latin-derived 'prior' (meaning 'earlier') with 'deadline' (a term originating in prisons to describe a time by which prisoners had to be back in their cells). The phrase emerged in the mid-20th century in bureaucratic and academic contexts.
Usage Notes
This phrase is often used in formal or professional settings. It emphasizes punctuality and adherence to schedules. Avoid using it in informal contexts where simpler phrases like 'before the deadline' are more natural.
Word Breakdown
prior
earlier in time
adjectiveto
preposition indicating relationship
prepositionthe deadline
the last acceptable time for submission
noun phraseEnglish Dictionary