before
Refers to a period of time that happened in the past or preceded a specific event. While usually a preposition, it can be used as a noun to describe the previous state or the 'before' part of a comparison.
Examples
3 of 5The photos show the before and after of the kitchen renovation.
The photos show the before and after of the kitchen renovation.
We must consider the before in order to understand the current situation.
We must consider the before in order to understand the current situation.
In the before, we used to hang out at the park every Sunday.
In the before, we used to hang out at the park every Sunday.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember 'B' is for 'Before' and 'Back in time'.
Quick Quiz
The plastic surgeon showed us the _____ and after pictures.
Correct!
The correct answer is: before
Examples
The photos show the before and after of the kitchen renovation.
everydayThe photos show the before and after of the kitchen renovation.
We must consider the before in order to understand the current situation.
formalWe must consider the before in order to understand the current situation.
In the before, we used to hang out at the park every Sunday.
informalIn the before, we used to hang out at the park every Sunday.
The study contrasts the before with the experimental results.
academicThe study contrasts the before with the experimental results.
Please provide a report on the before and after metrics of the project.
businessPlease provide a report on the before and after metrics of the project.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the before times
the before times
never before
never before
before your time
before your time
Often Confused With
'Ago' is used to measure time back from the present, while 'before' relates to a time prior to another event.
'Earlier' is a comparative adverb/adjective, while 'before' can indicate a fixed point in the past.
Usage Notes
When used as a noun, it almost always appears in the phrase 'the before and after' or colloquially as 'the before times.' It is much more common as a preposition or conjunction.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'I saw him two days before' when they should say 'I saw him two days ago' if they are speaking relative to now.
Memory Tip
Remember 'B' is for 'Before' and 'Back in time'.
Word Origin
From the Old English 'beforan', meaning in front of or in the presence of.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The phrase 'the before times' gained significant cultural popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic to refer to life before the global lockdowns.
Quick Quiz
The plastic surgeon showed us the _____ and after pictures.
Correct!
The correct answer is: before
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More Time words
lifetime
A1A lifetime is the entire period of time that a person is alive. It can also refer to the length of time that an object, like a machine, works correctly.
Monday
A1Monday is the day of the week between Sunday and Tuesday. In many parts of the world, it is regarded as the first day of the working and school week.
Tuesday
A1Tuesday is the third day of the week, positioned between Monday and Wednesday. In most Western cultures and business environments, it is regarded as the second day of the standard work week.
Thursday
A1Thursday is the day of the week that comes after Wednesday and before Friday. It is typically considered the fourth day of the working week in most Western countries.
Saturday
A1Saturday is the day of the week that follows Friday and comes before Sunday. It is widely considered the first day of the weekend and is typically a day for rest or leisure in many cultures.
Sunday
A1Sunday is the seventh day of the week, positioned between Saturday and Monday. In many parts of the world, it is considered the final day of the weekend and is typically a day for rest or religious activities.
weekend
A1The weekend is the period of time at the end of the week, typically including Saturday and Sunday. It is generally a time when people do not work or attend school and use the time for rest or leisure.
yesterday
A1Yesterday refers to the day immediately before today. It is used to describe events, actions, or states that occurred in the very recent past, specifically one day ago.
day after tomorrow
A1The day that comes after the one that follows today. It refers to a point in time two days into the future from the current day.
day before yesterday
A1The day that occurred immediately before yesterday, referring to two days ago from today. It is used to pinpoint a specific time in the recent past in relation to the current day.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free