Cool MateMeaning of Before
earlier than somebody/something
In simple words: At an earlier time than something else.
Before in a sentence
- I always wash my hands before dinner.
- Please arrive before 8 AM to avoid traffic.
- He lives in a house that was built before 2000.
- You should study before the exam to do well.
- They met before the conference to discuss plans.
How to use Before
Used to indicate a time prior to an event or action. Common in both spoken and written language. Avoid using it in extremely formal writing; in that context, consider 'prior to'.
Grammar pattern
before + clause
Memory hint
Think of 'before' as 'be fore' — imagine standing in front of something you're waiting for.
Related words
Collocations with Before
- before dinner
- before school
- before sunrise
Synonyms for Before
- prior to
- ahead of
- in front of
Common mistakes with Before
- Confusing 'before' with 'after'.
- Using 'before' to refer to an event that can only happen afterwards.
- Omitting the necessary clause or event after 'before'.
Before appears in
More words like Before
- AbandonB2
To leave someone or something and never return to them.
- AbilityA2
the fact that somebody/something is able to do something
- AbleA2
having the skill, intelligence, opportunity, etc. needed to do something
- AbroadA2
In or to a country that is not one's own.
- AbsoluteB2
total and complete
- AbsolutelyB1
used to emphasize that something is completely true
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Frequently asked questions about Before
What does Before mean?
At an earlier time than something else.
What is the definition of Before?
earlier than somebody/something
How do you use Before in a sentence?
I always wash my hands before dinner.
Can you give another example of Before?
Please arrive before 8 AM to avoid traffic.
What are synonyms for Before?
Common alternatives include prior to, ahead of, in front of.
What is the opposite of Before?
Opposite meanings include after, following.
What words go with Before?
It commonly pairs with before dinner, before school, before sunrise.
What are common mistakes when using Before?
Confusing 'before' with 'after'. Using 'before' to refer to an event that can only happen afterwards. Omitting the necessary clause or event after 'before'.
How do you pronounce Before?
US: /["/bɪˈfɔːr/"]/, UK: /["/bɪˈfɔː(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Before?
Used to indicate a time prior to an event or action. Common in both spoken and written language. Avoid using it in extremely formal writing; in that context, consider 'prior to'.
What CEFR level is Before?
"Before" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.