に先駆けて（にさきがけて）
Ahead of … / Prior to … / In advance of … (taking the lead before others)
This grammar expresses that an action is done earlier than a scheduled event or before others, often implying initiative or leadership.
Meaning
This grammar expresses that an action is done earlier than a scheduled event or before others, often implying initiative or leadership.
Formation
Explanation
に先駆けて is used when something happens before a main event, general trend, or official start, and often suggests that the subject is leading the way.
Core idea:
“Before X happens…”
“In advance of X…”
“Taking the lead ahead of…”
Important nuance:
Not just “before” (前に)
Implies:
initiative
pioneering action
leadership
preparation
This grammar frequently appears in:
news reports
product launch announcements
business or policy decisions
formal writing
JLPT N1 reading passages
Tone:
Formal
Objective
Strategic