Before vs Ago: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Before" refers to a time or event that is earlier than another, while "ago" indicates a duration of time counting back from the present.
Memory Tip: before = past event reference, ago = time from now
before has two syllables, ago has stress on second syllable
before /bɪˈfɔr/
prepositionAt an earlier time than something else.
Example:
I always brush my teeth before I go to bed.
Common patterns:
before a noun
before a verb
before /bɪˈfɔr/
adverbAt an earlier time or in advance of something else.
Example:
I always brush my teeth before I go to bed.
Common patterns:
before a meal
before school
ago /əˈɡoʊ/
adverbbefore now
Example:
I moved to this city three years ago.
Common patterns:
ago" + time expression
ago" + past event
Common Mistakes
I met him two weeks before.
I met him two weeks ago.
"Ago" is used because it refers to a duration of time from the present.
She left the room ago the meeting started.
She left the room before the meeting started.
"Before" is used because it indicates an event that happened earlier than another event.
Quick Practice
0/3 correct1. I always brush my teeth ____ I go to bed.
2. I always brush my teeth ____ I go to bed.
3. I moved to this city three years ____.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse before / ago again
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