AGO vs. BEFORE & IN vs. AFTER

Introduction

Welcome to NJCLT's comprehensive English grammar lesson, where we will delve into the differences between 'ago' and 'before', as well as 'in' and 'after'. Understanding these concepts is crucial for achieving proficiency in the English language, especially for those preparing for exams like TOEIC Life. In this lesson, we will explore the usage, context, and examples of these words in detail. So let's begin!

Ago vs. Before

In English grammar, 'ago' and 'before' are often confused as they both refer to time elapsed in the past. However, there are subtle differences in their usage. 'Ago' is used to indicate a specific period of time that has passed before the present moment, whereas 'before' refers to a time earlier than a specific event. Let's clarify further:

Usage of 'Ago'

'Ago' is commonly used when specifying the time that has passed before the present moment. It is often used with a specific time reference, such as 'minutes', 'hours', 'days', 'weeks', 'months', 'years', etc. Take a look at the following examples:

• She left the party 30 minutes ago.
• They got married two years ago.
• The movie was released last month ago.

As evident from these examples, 'ago' helps establish a clear timeline of when the action or event took place relative to the current moment.

Usage of 'Before'

On the other hand, 'before' is used to refer to a time earlier than a specific event or action. It does not necessarily provide a direct indication of the time difference. Let's look at some examples to understand better:

• The train departed before sunrise.
• Please submit your assignment before the due date.
• She had visited the museum before it closed for renovations.

From these examples, we can observe that 'before' emphasizes the sequence of events and the relationship between them, rather than focusing on the specific duration of time passed.

In vs. After

Similar to 'ago' and 'before', 'in' and 'after' are words that are often used to describe time relationships. However, they differ in their usage and context. Let's explore them further:

Usage of 'In'

The word 'in' is typically used to indicate a specific time or duration within which an event is expected to happen. It is commonly used with time expressions like 'seconds', 'minutes', 'hours', 'days', 'weeks', 'months', 'years', etc. Here are some examples:

• I will finish the report in 30 minutes.
• He will be back in a couple of hours.
• We are going on a vacation in two weeks.

As shown by these examples, 'in' helps specify the timeframe within which the event will occur or be completed.

Usage of 'After'

Conversely, 'after' is used to indicate that an event or action occurs subsequent to another event or action. It highlights the sequence of events and provides a temporal relationship. Here are some examples:

• I will call you after I finish work.
• She went to the grocery store after having breakfast.
• He realized his mistake after the exam had ended.

From these examples, it is clear that 'after' denotes the chronological order of events, determining the occurrence of one event in relation to another.

Conclusion

By now, you should have a clearer understanding of the distinctions between 'ago' and 'before', as well as 'in' and 'after'. These words play significant roles in expressing time relationships in English grammar. Mastering their usage will contribute to your overall language proficiency and success in exams such as TOEIC Life. Remember, practice is key to improving your English skills, so make sure to review and apply what you have learned here. Good luck on your linguistic journey with NJCLT!

Note: The examples provided in this lesson are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent every possible usage of the words 'ago', 'before', 'in', and 'after' in English grammar.