Distinguishing Between Ago & Before

Ago and before are two words that are often misused by people around the world, particularly by students of the English language. Although their meanings are similar, their usage is different, and it is important to understand the context in which they should be used. This article will explore the differences between ago and before.

Key Takeaways

• Ago is used to describe the time length since something happened, with a specific time frame.
• Before is used to indicate something that took place in the past, but there is no particular time frame mentioned.
• The main difference between the two words is the presence of a specific time expression when using ‘ago’ and the absence of a time frame when using ‘before’.

Ago is a word used to describe the time length since something happened. You can say that something happened 20 years ago, 20 days ago, or even 20 minutes ago. Take a look at the following examples to understand its usage.
• John moved to France 20 years ago.
• I suffered from a headache 20 days ago.
• He was here 20 minutes ago.
• His mother retired 5 years ago.
It becomes clear that ago is a word that is used to indicate something that happened at a particular point in time in the past. Ago indicates a past event.

Before, on the other hand, is also a word used to indicate something that took place in the past, but there is no particular time frame that ‘before’ talks about. For example, if you have visited a place before, you are not required to specify the date or time when you were there.

There is no time frame mentioned when ‘before’ is used in a sentence. If you say that I reached the office 5 minutes before my boss, there is still no mention of the time, and all it means is that you were there in the office 5 minutes before your boss made an entry into the office. Take a look at the following examples to understand the meaning of before.
• I have visited this place before.
• Can you tell me what happened in the office before I came?

What is the difference between Ago and Before?
• Ago is used when we know when the event took place in the past.
• Before is used when we are not certain about the time when the event took place in the past.
• There is always an expression of time when ago is used.
• So you say, “I met the girl before,” but you say, “I met the girl three years ago.”
• My father was born 67 years ago, but you say that My father was born before independence.