12 Synonyms for “Leading up to”

Are you trying to figure out the best ways to show what something is leading to?

Perhaps you’re concerned that “leading up to” is incorrect or wordy.

Luckily, it’s not the only option you have with your writing.

This article will teach you how to say “leading up to” in different ways.

Other Ways to Say “Leading up to”

  • Preceding
  • In the build-up to
  • Anticipating
  • Approaching
  • Preparing for
  • Coming before
  • In advance of
  • In the run-up to
  • Prior to
  • Beforehand
  • Preluding
  • Preliminary to

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • “Leading up to” is correct when used to talk about upcoming events and what’s expected beforehand.
  • “Preceding” is great as a formal synonym to show you what works well in business settings.
  • “In the build-up to” is effective as an informal alternative if that would benefit your tone more.

Keep reading to learn what to say instead of “leading up to.” We’ve explained more regarding the best formal and informal alternatives to help you mix up your options.

You can also read the final section to learn whether it’s correct to say “leading up to.” Then, you’ll know if it’s something you should include in your writing in the first place.

Preceding (Formal)

Another way to say “leading up to” is “preceding.” It might be one word, but it’s an excellent formal synonym that will help you to mix things up.

You can use it when talking about leading up to something special.

For the most part, it’s direct and professional. So, people will easily understand what you’re talking about when using a term like “preceding.”

Try including it when talking to employees. It suggests that they have specific duties to complete before an event takes place.

It’s also good to refer to this email sample to learn more:

Dear Milo,

Preceding the event, I need you to complete all of these tasks.

Please don’t put them off for any longer.

Yours,
Michael Shearer

It’s also good to use this in an essay. Generally, it’s a good option if you’re looking for a simple way to explain an event or situation to the reader.

So, you can check out this essay sample to learn a bit more:

Many things occurred preceding the results of this investigation. Therefore, there’s no guarantee they’re correct.

In the Build-up to (Informal)

We also recommend using “in the build-up to” as a better way to say “leading up to.” Generally, this encompasses a more informal and conversational tone that works well in writing.

You can use it when discussing events leading up to something. It suggests that there’s a great deal of build-up, which often excites the people who are aware of it.

For the most part, this keeps things friendly and exciting. That’s often what makes it a good choice when you’re talking to coworkers about a business event that’s on its way.

Feel free to review this sample email if you still need help understanding it:

Hey Brad,

I’m sure you know what we need to do in the build-up to this event!

However, I’m really looking forward to it, and I hope you are too!

Yours,
Sonia Madison

You can also include it when writing to loved ones. You might be texting them before a big holiday (like Christmas) and wishing them well in the build-up to the event.

Here’s a helpful message sample to show you more about it if you still want to understand it:

I know what you get like in the build-up to Christmas! I just want to check in to wish you well, though!

Is It Correct to Say “Leading up to”?

It is correct to say “leading up to.”

It’s a direct way to show that something is coming up soon. In the build-up to the event, you can use “leading up to” to express what’s coming and what you expect from people.

You should review this sample email to learn more about how it works:

Dear Mary,

We are going to need to work on this leading up to the big event.

I hope I can count on you to get this done.

All the best,
Morris Adams

However, you need to watch out for a simple mistake with this phrase!

Some people use “leading to” instead of “leading up to,” but this would be wrong!

The phrase “leading to” is correct, but it means something different.

For instance:

  • Correct: Leading up to the event, we need your help.
  • Incorrect: We need your help leading to the event.

Generally, “leading up to” refers to an upcoming event.

However, “leading to” refers to the outcome of a situation. Therefore, it does not work as well when describing an event.

For instance:

  • This is leading to difficult results.

You should also bookmark this page before you leave! Then, you can keep coming back here to remind yourself of the best synonyms for “leading up to” when necessary.