Introduction
Conjunctions [1] are words that function as a link between clauses in sentences.
Before is used as a conjunction to refer to the order of actions in a sentence.
Form
Before connects clauses in a sentence and belongs to the conjunctions of time.
It can have two different positions:
Before + Clause 1 + , + Clause 2
Clause 1 + Before + Clause 2
NOTE: When we talk about future events, we should use the present tense after before.
Example
- Before you set the table, get the plates out.
Get the plates out before you set the table. - Wash the pumpkin before you start cooking it.
Before you start cooking, wash the pumpkin. - They will buy some peas before they come back home.
Before they come back home, they will buy some peas.
Use
Summary
We can use before as a conjunction [1] to refer to the order of actions in a sentence.
We start with the word before followed by a clause, a comma and another clause. We can also start with a clause followed by the word before and another clause (we don’t use a comma here).
For example:
— “Before you eat it, wash the fruit.” / “Wash the fruit before you eat it.” = First you need to wash the fruit and then eat it.
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.