Use of Ago and Before - Confusing Words in English

source: Twominute English    2013年4月20日
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0:07 In this lesson, we will learn how to use ‘ago’ and ‘before’ without getting confused.
0:18 The word ‘ago’ refers to a past moment
0:22 The word ‘before’ refers to a moment earlier than something or someone else.
0:29 Yes, they both speak of a time in the past. However, ‘before’ can also be used to speak of the future.
0:37 ‘Ago’ is used when we speak of past times only. For example The meeting started twenty minutes ago.
0:47 That is right. We use ago just to speak of something which happened in the past.
0:51 For example A long time ago, there was a king who ruled these lands.
0:57 ‘Before’ is used when we speak of an event or moment in the past which happened earlier than another moment or event.
1:06 For example Before metal was discovered, early man used stones to hunt.
1:13 That’s correct. It can be also used to speak of something in the future which will happen earlier than another future moment or event.
1:21 The jury will check all the reports before rendering the verdict.
1:26 ‘Before’ is used to establish the order in which things occur. For example John arrived before Jack; or, John will arrive before Jack.
1:38 ‘Before’ connects two situations. Here is one example John was operated two months before his exam.
1:45 Here, the operation happened earlier than the exam.
1:49 Alright, Martha, let’s listen to some conversations now to understand better.
2:01 How are you Matt, when did you arrive
2:05 I arrived just five minutes ago.
2:08 So, did you make it in time for the movie yesterday or had it started before you got there
2:15 It started ten minutes before I got there.
2:18 That’s too bad. The beginning of that movie is very funny.
2:28 Centuries ago people believed that the Earth was the center of universe.
2:34 That’s right. It was before Galileo proved that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
2:39 Yes, but Copernicus suggested that before Galileo.
2:45 Is that so Wasn’t it Galileo who invented the telescope
2:49 Yes. It was one of his most important inventions.
2:59 Hey Martha, did you meet Mr. Smith
3:02 Yes, but it was a long time ago.
3:05 We should talk to him before presenting our final report.
3:09 That’s right. He’ll surely help us.
3:12 I called him just an hour ago to schedule an appointment
3:17 That’s good. Let’s talk to him before our class starts.
3:26 The meeting started twenty minutes ago.
3:33 Before metal was discovered, early man used stones to hunt.
3:45 The jury will check all the reports before rendering the verdict.
3:55 I arrived just five minutes ago.
4:04 It started ten minutes before I got there.
4:10 It was before Galileo proved that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
4:20 Yes, but it was a long time ago.
4:28I called him just an hour ago to schedule an appointment.