before

"Before" is a very common English word with a few closely related but distinct uses. It works as a preposition, an adverb, and a conjunction — so understanding how it behaves in each role will help you use it confidently in many situations.

1prepositionearlier in time

Use 'before' to say that something happens at an earlier point in time than something else. Think of a timeline — 'before' points to the left, to what came first.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She finished her homework before dinner.

Please wash your hands before eating.

He had never traveled abroad before the age of thirty.

2prepositionin front of / in the presence of

This sense is about physical or formal position — being in front of someone or standing in someone's presence, especially in official situations like a court or an audience.

formal / legal language · Formal, still widely used

The suspect appeared before the judge.

She performed before a large crowd.

The proposal was placed before the committee.

3conjunctionearlier than the time when

As a conjunction, 'before' connects two parts of a sentence to show that one action happens earlier than another. It introduces a clause — a group of words with its own subject and verb.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Turn off the lights before you leave.

I want to finish this project before the week ends.

He called me before I even had a chance to reach out.

4adverbat a previous time / already

When 'before' stands alone — without a noun or a clause after it — it means 'at some earlier time' or 'in the past'. You use it when the specific time is not important or already understood.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

I have seen this movie before.

Have you been to Paris before?

She said she had never felt so happy before.

5conjunctionfigurativerather than / instead of allowing something to happen

Sometimes 'before' expresses a strong preference or a warning — it means 'rather than let this happen'. This use often carries a sense of determination or urgency.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

He would quit before he let someone treat him that way.

She would work all night before she missed that deadline.

I'd apologize before I let this argument ruin our friendship.