Structure
Verb + に先立って(1)
Noun + に先立って(1)
Noun (A) + に先立つ + Noun (B)
(1) に先立ち
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Formal
About に先立ち
Being a combination of に and the う-Verb 先立つ 'to take the lead', or 'to precede', this structure connects to both nouns and verbs in their dictionary forms, to indicate that (B) is a preliminary step required for (A). It may be interpreted as 'before (A), (B)', 'prior to (A), (B)', or 'in preference over (A), (B)'.
Despite these several interpretations, the literal meaning of 'standing before (A), (B)' can be useful to remember, as it highlights the importance of (B) as a first step.
As 先立つ is a verb, it may be seen in its dictionary form when followed directly by another noun, or in its て-form when indicating the whole (B) phrase as preceding (A). Additionally, the formal-conjunctive form, 先立ち will often be used in preference of the て-form, as に先立つ is a formal grammar structure.
Fun-fact
先立つ may often be seen paired with 物, and is a set expression in these cases that translates similarly to 'means' in English. This 'means' refers to the prerequisites required to enable something, and will usually appear in negative sentences, in order to show that one 'does not have the means to do (A)'.
Examples
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このアプリの使用に先立ち、ライセンス契約を読んでおいてください。
Please read the license agreement prior to running this application.
クリストファー・コロンブスに先立ってヴァイキングはアメリカを発見したと考えられている。
The vikings are considered to have discovered America before Christopher Columbus.
レーザーの電源を入れるに先立って、保護メガネをかけておいてください。
Prior to turning on the laser, please put on safety glasses in advance.
あるゲームの通知：「冒険に挑むに先立って仲間を集めよ。」
Certain game: 'You must gather your party before venturing forth.'
ＰＣケースを開けるに先立ち、万が一のためにまず電源を切っておかなければならない。
Before opening the computer case, as an extra precaution, you have to turn off the power.
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