before
preposition
UK/bɪˈfɔː/US/bɪˈfɔr/
Earlier than (a particular time or event); in front of someone or something in order or position.
Example Sentences
We must submit the report before the end of the day.
He often stops for coffee before his morning shift.
Please wash your hands before dinner is served.
We will stand before the judge to present our case tomorrow morning.
The hikers set off before sunrise, determined to reach the peak in time to watch the first rays of dawn illuminate the valley below.
She quickly checked her notes before the meeting started, ensuring she had all the necessary figures and talking points at her fingertips.
They arrived at the theater well before the performance began to secure good seats and enjoy the pre-show atmosphere.
You need to complete your training before attempting to handle advanced equipment or hazardous materials.
Thesaurus
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Antonyms
conjunction
UK/bɪˈfɔː/US/bɪˈfɔr/
At or during a time earlier than the time when something else occurs or is expected to happen.
Example Sentences
I want to finish my homework before I go out with my friends.
He called his parents before he left for the airport.
Let’s discuss the proposal thoroughly before we make any final decisions.
You should ensure you have proper guidance before you begin any strenuous exercise program to avoid potential injuries.
Sarah always checks the weather forecast before she decides on weekend travel plans.
Before the sun sets, we must gather enough firewood to keep us warm through the chilly night.
He turned off all the lights before leaving the office, saving energy and reducing costs.
She read the instructions carefully before attempting the experiment to minimize any chance of error or accidental mishap.
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adverb
UK/bɪˈfɔː/US/bɪˈfɔr/
Previously; at an earlier time.
Example Sentences
I’ve seen this movie before, but I wouldn’t mind watching it again.
He had never tried sushi before, so he was both nervous and curious.
If you haven’t heard this story before, it’s well worth listening to until the very end.
She lived in London before, but she moved to Tokyo two years ago.
Our company has never faced such stiff competition before, making it essential to innovate and adapt quickly to changing market demands.
I’ve told you before to check the lock twice, yet you keep forgetting.
Rarely had we encountered such a stunning display of fireworks before, as the sky became an incandescent tapestry of color and sound.
He had visited the museum once before, but this time he discovered new artifacts on display.
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How to Use
Indicates something happens earlier than or is situated ahead of something else.“Before” can function as a preposition, an adverb, or a conjunction, each usage referencing an event, time, or position that precedes another. As a preposition, you might say, “Finish your homework before dinner,” meaning homework must happen earlier than dinner. As an adverb, it can stand on its own: “I’ve seen this place before,” implying a previous occasion. Used as a conjunction, “before” can link two clauses, for example, “Make sure you lock the door before you leave.” In all these cases, “before” suggests an action or state that takes precedence—temporally, spatially, or logically. When you use “before” in writing or speech, remember to clarify the sequence or condition. For instance, “Review the instructions before beginning the exam” signals a necessary prerequisite, while “We arrived at the venue hours before anyone else” indicates an earlier arrival in time. Whether giving instructions, narrating a timeline, or describing spatial order, “before” helps organize events or positions to highlight what comes first or stands in front.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid repeating “before,” synonyms or related phrases depend on context. For an earlier time reference, words like “prior to,” “earlier than,” or “in advance of” can fit more formal contexts, whereas “earlier” is simpler and more casual. If you need a phrase for instructing someone in a sequence, you might say “ahead of,” “in front of,” or “preceding” something—these can also suggest spatial or chronological order. Phrases like “leading up to” highlight the buildup toward an event, while “beforehand” serves as an adverb if you want to emphasize readiness or preparation in advance. Carefully match the synonym to your specific usage—whether you’re pointing to an event that must happen first, a place that is in front, or a moment in time that you wish to reference as preceding another moment. Varying your language can keep your writing precise and dynamic, especially if you need repeated references to sequence or earlier steps.
Writing
When writing with “before,” pay attention to how it structures your content. In instructional or procedural pieces, “before” helps maintain a clear sequence, e.g., “Wash your hands before handling food.” In storytelling or descriptions, “before” can mark key shifts in time: “Before the sun rose, they had already packed the car.” This positions the event in a context that heightens anticipation or clarifies chronology. If you’re tackling a more formal or academic text, consider whether “prior to” or “in advance of” better fits your tone. Yet often “before” is succinct, direct, and widely understood, making it a reliable default.Additionally, “before” can anchor conditional logic—“Check for errors before submitting your work”—conveying a necessary preliminary step. In narratives, it signals a background or past point: “He had never owned a pet before, so this was all new to him.” Through consistent, purposeful usage, “before” keeps readers oriented in time or space, ensuring clarity and flow. If there’s any chance for confusion—especially if you’re mixing timelines or skipping around chronologically—consider adding transitional phrases or additional context to clarify exactly when or where an event is happening relative to others.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “before” is a simple go-to word for indicating an earlier time or a necessary action. You might say, “I’ve never tried sushi before,” or “Finish your chores before you go out.” Friends might remind you, “Don’t forget to clock out before leaving work,” or “We should probably buy snacks before we start the movie.” Whether referencing a sequence, giving a heads-up about timing, or reflecting on past experiences, “before” helps keep an easy flow in chats about daily routines. People often use “before” in the sense of rushing or meeting deadlines: “We need to get there before the store closes,” or “Let’s stop for gas before we hit the highway.” It’s also common to see it in conditional scenarios: “Try that dress on before you decide,” or “Save your files before shutting down your computer.” Because it’s so universal and direct, “before” requires little explanation—anyone instantly understands that something must happen earlier or first. It’s both practical and straightforward, so it surfaces constantly in planning, reminiscing, or offering quick instructions.
Etymology
“Before” stems from the Old English “beforan,” a combination of “be” (a prefix meaning “by” or “about”) and “foran” (from “fore,” meaning “front” or “earlier”). This links to Proto-Germanic roots, such as “fur,” which convey the concept of “in front” or “ahead.” Early on, “before” denoted a sense of precedence in space—something physically in front—and time—a moment that precedes another. Over centuries, its usage consolidated to cover positions in both the temporal and spatial realms, making it a core English preposition, adverb, and conjunction for expressing earlier occurrence or frontal position. In Middle English and beyond, the word proved essential for instructions, chronicles, and everyday communication—key to ordering steps, marking historical events, and clarifying which actions take priority. Today, “before” remains foundational for expressing sequential or positional relationships, bridging modern usage with its centuries-old heritage that ties frontward location to earlier timing. So when you say “before,” you draw on an ancient linguistic thread that has long served to align points in time or place with a sense of “the first,” “the front,” or “the prior.”
