Difference Between Ago and Before in the English Grammar

What is the Difference Between Ago and Before?

The difference between “ago” and “before” lies in the reference point they use. “Ago” is used to count back from the present moment, while “before” refers to a point in the past in relation to another past moment or event.

To put it simply:

• “Ago” tells how much time has passed from now.

• “Before” tells that something happened earlier than another past event.

Ago Grammar Rules

Here are the rules for using "ago" correctly in English grammar:

1. “Ago” is an adverb that is always used with the past simple tense.

2. It is used after a time expression, such as “two days,” “ten minutes,” or “five years.”

3. It is always placed after the time expression, never before.

4. It cannot be used without a time reference.

5. “Ago” refers directly to a moment in the past from now, the present time.

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Ago Examples in Grammar 

• I met her three days ago.

• He finished the report two hours ago.

• They moved to this city ten years ago.

• The phone rang five minutes ago.

• The shop closed a few moments ago.

In each sentence above, “ago” is used after a time expression to indicate how much time has passed from the present moment.

Before Grammar Rules

Here are the rules for using "before" in English grammar:

1. “Before” can function as a preposition, adverb, or subordinating conjunction.

2. It is used to compare two actions, indicating that one occurred earlier than the other.

3. It can be used with the past perfect, simple past, and present perfect tenses.

4. “Before” does not need a specific time expression.

5. It refers to general past events, not just in relation to the present.

Before Examples in Grammar 

• I had seen her before she left town. (past perfect + past simple)

• He called me before dinner. (simple past + noun)

• I have never done this before. (present perfect + before)

• The meeting ended before I arrived.

• Please finish your homework before 6 p.m.

Unlike “ago,” the word “before” has more flexibility. It is used to connect actions and events in the past and does not necessarily require the current time as a reference point.

Difference Between Adverb and Adjective

Ago and Before Comparison in Grammar 

Let’s break down the use of “ago” and “before” in grammar side by side:

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Examples of Ago vs Before in Pairs

Here are pairs of sentences that highlight the difference between the two:

1. He left two hours ago.
   He had already left before I got there.

2. We moved here five years ago.
   We had lived in another city before we moved here.

3. The movie started an hour ago.
   I bought the tickets before the movie started.

4. She called me ten minutes ago.
   She had called me before I arrived at the office.

5. I met her a long time ago.
   I had met her before that event.

These examples of ago vs before show that while both express past actions, they refer to different reference points. “Ago” always refers to how long before now, while “before” refers to how long before another action or time.

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Tips to Use Ago and Before in Grammar 

1. Use “ago” when you want to show how long before now something happened.
   Example: I started this job six months ago.

2. Use “before” when you are comparing two events or referring to something in the past without a specific timeline.
   Example: He had visited this place before.

3. Never use “ago” before a noun or action. It must come after a time duration.
   Wrong: Ago the meeting started.
   Right: The meeting started an hour ago.

4. Use “before” when referring to time relative to another action or point in the past.
   Example: We arrived before sunset.

Ago and Before Grammatical Structures 

To use ago and before accurately in sentences, it’s helpful to follow some common grammatical patterns. Here are the structures used with each.

Ago:

Subject + past verb + time expression + ago

Example: I finished the book two days ago.

Before:

Subject + past perfect verb + before + past verb

 Example: I had eaten before she arrived.

Subject + present perfect verb + before

Example: I have never seen this before.

Before + noun (prepositional use)

Example: Please return the form before Friday.

Before + subject + verb (conjunction use)

Example: Finish your meal before the train arrives.

Ago and Before practice questions

Complete the sentences with “ago” or “before”:

1. Julie phoned ten minutes _______.
   (Answer: ago)

2. I have seen her _______.
   (Answer: before)

3. They met three years _______ they moved abroad.
   (Answer: before)

4. We went on vacation two weeks _______.
   (Answer: ago)

5. I had visited Paris once _______ moving to London.
   (Answer: before)

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