Before

Prior to a certain time or event, In front of or ahead of something/someone, In preference to something or someone, In the past; earlier than the present time, In anticipation of something happening

Before - Meanings

Prior to a certain time or event

Example: I had breakfast before going to work.

Usage: formalContext: academic or professional settings

Note: Commonly used to indicate the sequence of events

In front of or ahead of something/someone

Example: The car in front stopped before the traffic light turned red.

Usage: formalContext: traffic or directional instructions

Note: Used to describe physical positioning

In preference to something or someone

Example: I would choose tea before coffee.

Usage: formalContext: preferences or choices

Note: Indicates a choice or selection

In the past; earlier than the present time

Example: Before, people used to communicate through letters.

Usage: formalContext: historical or narrative contexts

Note: Used to refer to a time period preceding the current one

In anticipation of something happening

Example: She had finished her work before the deadline.

Usage: formalContext: planning or deadlines

Note: Shows preparation or readiness

Before's synonyms

prior to

Prior to means before a particular time or event.

Example: I need to finish this report prior to the meeting.

Note: It is more formal and often used in written or formal contexts.

previously

Previously means at an earlier time.

Example: I had met her previously at a conference.

Note: It emphasizes that something happened before a specific point in time.

in advance

In advance means before a particular time or event.

Example: Please let me know in advance if you cannot attend the meeting.

Note: It implies preparation or planning ahead of time.

ahead of

Ahead of means before a particular time or event.

Example: She always arrives ahead of schedule.

Note: It suggests being in front or leading in terms of time or position.

Before expressions, common phrases

Beforehand

Beforehand means in advance or earlier.

Example: She always likes to plan everything beforehand to avoid last-minute stress.

Note: It emphasizes the idea of being prepared or ready for something before it happens.

Before long

Before long means in a short amount of time, soon.

Example: I'm sure you'll get the hang of it before long.

Note: It suggests a relatively short period of time before something happens.

Before you know it

Before you know it means something will happen quickly or unexpectedly.

Example: They grow up so fast, before you know it, they'll be off to college.

Note: It highlights the element of surprise or suddenness in the passage of time.

Before my time

Before my time means something happened or existed before one was born or became aware.

Example: That song is way before my time; I don't know much about it.

Note: It indicates a time period that the person did not experience or witness personally.

Before the fact

Before the fact means before something has happened or been decided.

Example: It's important to consider all the evidence before the fact when making a decision.

Note: It refers to actions taken or decisions made prior to an event, often in a legal or investigative context.

Before the storm

Before the storm means before a difficult or turbulent period begins.

Example: The sky darkened before the storm, and we knew we had to take cover.

Note: It symbolizes the calm or warning signs that precede a challenging or intense situation.

Before the dawn

Before the dawn means before the beginning of a new and hopeful period.

Example: It's always darkest before the dawn, so let's stay hopeful.

Note: It suggests that even in the darkest or most challenging times, a positive change or resolution may be imminent.

Before everyday (slang) expressions

B4

B4 is a shortened and informal way of writing 'before'. It is commonly used in text messages and social media posts.

Example: Let's meet up b4 the movie starts.

Note: B4 is a text speak abbreviation of 'before', used primarily in informal written communication.

Ago

While 'ago' is not a slang term, it is often used in spoken language to indicate a point of time in the past relative to the present moment.

Example: She left a few minutes ago.

Note: Ago is a formal term used in spoken language to refer to a period of time before the present.

BF

BF is an acronym for 'before'. It is often used in casual conversations or written communication.

Example: I'll see you later, BF the party.

Note: BF is an informal acronym that represents 'before' in a more playful or abbreviated form.

Ere

'Ere' is an archaic term that means 'before'. It is rarely used in modern spoken English but can add a literary or poetic tone to writing.

Example: They arrived ere the ceremony began.

Note: 'Ere' is an old-fashioned or poetic word for 'before' and is not commonly used in everyday conversation.

Before - Examples

Before you leave, please turn off the lights.

I have never been to Paris before.

Please let me know before you make any decisions.

Before grammar

Before - Adposition (Adposition) / Preposition or subordinating conjunction (Preposition or subordinating conjunction)

Lemma: before

Conjugations

Adverb (Adverb): before

Syllabification and Stress

before Contains 2 syllables: be • fore

Phonetic transcription: bi-ˈfȯr

be fore , bi ˈfȯr (The red syllable is stressed)

Before - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

before: ~ 1500 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

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