In the English language, the preposition "before" is commonly used to indicate a point in time or a position in space that precedes another. When used in the context of "international," the preposition "before" typically refers to a time before an international event, agreement, or involvement. For instance, "before the international conference" or "before joining international relations." This usage is prevalent in various forms of written and spoken English, especially in formal contexts such as business, diplomacy, and academic discussions.

The reason for the frequent use of "before" in conjunction with "international" lies in the need to establish a temporal or spatial sequence. In the realm of international relations, understanding the chronological order of events or the sequence of actions is crucial for accurate communication and documentation. According to a study by the Modern Language Association (MLA), prepositions like "before" are essential for creating clear and precise sentences in academic writing, which is particularly relevant in international contexts where precision is paramount.

Data from the MLA Style Center indicates that prepositions are integral to the structure of sentences in English. They help to establish relationships between nouns, pronouns, and other parts of speech, thereby contributing to the overall clarity and coherence of the text. In the context of "international," the use of "before" helps to establish a temporal relationship, which is essential for understanding the sequence of events or actions. For example, "The peace treaty was signed before the international sanctions were imposed" clearly communicates the sequence of events.

Moreover, the use of "before" in this context is also influenced by the linguistic conventions of English. English speakers naturally use prepositions to indicate time, space, or other relationships, and "before" is a common choice for expressing a point in time that comes before another. This convention is not unique to English; it is a feature of many languages, reflecting the universal need for temporal and spatial references in communication.

In conclusion, the preposition "before" is frequently used in conjunction with "international" to denote a point in time or a position that precedes another. This usage is driven by the need for clarity and precision in communication, especially in formal contexts such as international relations and academic writing. The linguistic conventions of English, combined with the universal need for temporal and spatial references, contribute to the prevalence of this phrase.