～に先立って

How to form it

• Verb (dictionary form) + のに先立って
• Noun + に先立って / に先立ち / に先立つ + noun

Register: Formal; ceremonies and announcements

Explanation

Says that a preparation or an announcement is made before an important event or action starts.

The second clause is a preparatory action. The first event is something with weight, such as a presentation, opening or project.

Examples

1. 発表に先立って、資料を配ります。

   はっぴょうにさきだって、しりょうをくばります。

   Prior to the presentation, I will hand out the materials.

2. 開会に先立ち、校長先生がご挨拶された。

   かいかいにさきだち、こうちょうせんせいがごあいさつされた。

   Before the opening, the principal gave a greeting.

3. 工事に先立って、住民への説明会が開かれた。

   こうじにさきだって、じゅうみんへのせつめいかいがひらかれた。

   Before construction started, an explanatory meeting was held for residents.

Compare with

• ～にあたって: にあたって is 'on the occasion of'; に先立って stresses that something is done beforehand.

Common mistakes

• Using it for a very ordinary action. It sounds formal and suits larger events.