"Prior to" is used to indicate something that happened earlier in time:
* Example: "Prior to the meeting, I sent out an agenda."
"Before" is also used to indicate something that happened earlier in time, but it can also be used in other contexts:
* Example: "I ate breakfast before I went to work."
* Example: "Please stand before the judge."
"Towards" indicates direction or movement:
* Example: "The train is heading towards the station."
In summary:
* Prior to: Used specifically to indicate something happening earlier in time.
* Before: Can indicate time, but also has other uses (position, order).
* Towards: Used to indicate direction or movement.
Choosing the right preposition:
* If you are talking about time, use "prior to" or "before".
* If you are talking about direction or movement, use "towards".
If you provide a specific sentence or context, I can help you choose the best preposition.