Welcome to twominuteenglish.com. Teaching you English through two-minute lessons.
In this lesson, we will learn how to use ‘ago’ and ‘before’ without getting confused.
The word ‘ago’ refers to a past moment
The word ‘before’ refers to a moment earlier than something or someone else.
Yes, they both speak of a time in the past. However, ‘before’ can also be used to speak of the future.
‘Ago’ is used when we speak of past times only. For example The meeting started twenty minutes ago.
That is right. We use ago just to speak of something which happened in the past.
For example A long time ago, there was a king who ruled these lands.
‘Before’ is used when we speak of an event or moment in the past which happened earlier than another moment or event.
For example Before metal was discovered, early man used stones to hunt.
That’s correct. It can be also used to speak of something in the future which will happen earlier than another future moment or event.
The jury will check all the reports before rendering the verdict.
‘Before’ is used to establish the order in which things occur. For example John arrived before Jack; or, John will arrive before Jack.
‘Before’ connects two situations. Here is one example John was operated two months before his exam.
Here, the operation happened earlier than the exam.
Alright, Martha, let’s listen to some conversations now to understand better.
How are you Matt, when did you arrive
I arrived just five minutes ago.
So, did you make it in time for the movie yesterday or had it started before you got there
It started ten minutes before I got there.
That’s too bad. The beginning of that movie is very funny.
Centuries ago people believed that the Earth was the center of universe.
That’s right. It was before Galileo proved that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
Yes, but Copernicus suggested that before Galileo.
Is that so Wasn’t it Galileo who invented the telescope
Yes. It was one of his most important inventions.
Hey Martha, did you meet Mr. Smith
Yes, but it was a long time ago.
We should talk to him before presenting our final report.
That’s right. He’ll surely help us.
I called him just an hour ago to schedule an appointment
That’s good. Let’s talk to him before our class starts.
The meeting started twenty minutes ago.
Before metal was discovered, early man used stones to hunt.
The jury will check all the reports before rendering the verdict.
I arrived just five minutes ago.
It started ten minutes before I got there.
It was before Galileo proved that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
Yes, but it was a long time ago.
I called him just an hour ago to schedule an appointment.