に先立つ (ni-sakidatte): Prior to; in advance of
～に先立つ (ni-sakidatte)
Meaning
Prior to; in advance of
Formation and usage
N／V dictionary + に先立って; N + に先立つN
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Formally introduces something done before an important event; 先立つ modifies a noun.
Examples
会議に先立って、会場の安全を確認した。
Prior to the meeting, we checked the safety of the venue.
試験に先立って、会場の安全を確認した。
Prior to the exam, we checked the safety of the venue.
研修に先立って、会場の安全を確認した。
Prior to the training session, we checked the safety of the venue.
発表会に先立って、会場の安全を確認した。
Prior to the presentation event, we checked the safety of the venue.
面接に先立って、会場の安全を確認した。
Prior to the interview, we checked the safety of the venue.
How related patterns differ
た上で requires a prior step; dictionary form plus 上で sets an activity's scope. 最中に means in the middle, while 拍子に often triggers an accidental result. に先立って precedes an occasion; に際して introduces the occasion itself.