Cool MateAgo
UK /["/əˈɡəʊ/"]/US /["/əˈɡəʊ/"]/
Definition
used in expressions of time with the simple past tense to show how far in the past something happened
In simple words: in the past; before now
Examples
- two weeks/months/years ago
- The letter came a few days ago.
- She was here just a minute ago.
- a short/long time ago
- How long ago did you buy it?
- It was on TV not (so) long ago.
- Scientists think there was water on Mars **a long time ago**.
- He stopped working some time ago *(= quite a long time ago)*.
- They're getting married? It's not that long ago *(= it's only a short time ago)* that they met!
Usage notes
Use 'ago' to refer to a specific time in the past. It's typically used in informal and neutral contexts, but avoid using it in very formal writing or speeches.
Grammar pattern
ago + time expression (e.g. two days ago)
Memory hint
Think of 'a-go' like a race that happened in the past.
Collocations
- two years ago
- just ago
- long ago
Synonyms
- before
- earlier
- previously
Antonyms
- future
Common mistakes
- Incorrectly using 'ago' with future events.
- Confusing 'ago' with 'since' when discussing past time.
- Omitting the time expression, e.g., saying 'I saw him ago.'