The Time Pattern That Native Speakers Use Automatically

You know the words "ago" and "before." But do you know when to use each one?

This matters more than you think. Native speakers follow a clear pattern. Once you understand it, timing becomes crystal clear.

The Basic Pattern

Ago = From now Count backward from this moment.

Before = From another time Count backward from a different reference point.

How "Ago" Works

"Ago" always connects to now.

• "I ate lunch one hour ago." (One hour before now)
• "We moved here five years ago." (Five years before now)
• "The meeting ended ten minutes ago." (Ten minutes before now)

The pattern: [Time] + ago

How "Before" Works

"Before" connects to another past time.

• "I ate lunch one hour before the meeting." (Before the meeting, not before now)
• "We lived in Tokyo five years before moving here." (Before moving, not before now)
• "I finished the report ten minutes before she arrived." (Before she arrived, not before now)

The pattern: [Time] + before + [Reference point]

Listen for the Structure

In conversations, listen for what comes after:

"Two weeks..." what next?

If you hear "ago" = from now If you hear "before [something]" = from that something

Common Mistakes

Wrong: "I graduated two weeks before." Right: "I graduated two weeks ago." (from now)

Wrong: "I finished two hours ago starting the meeting." Right: "I finished two hours before starting the meeting." (before the meeting)

Listening Practice Strategy

When you hear time expressions:

1. Notice if they say "ago" or "before"
2. If "ago" - count from now
3. If "before" - listen for the reference point

The Timeline Test

Draw a timeline in your mind:

For "ago": Put "now" on the right, count left For "before": Put the reference event on the right, count left

Why This Matters

These patterns appear constantly in:

• Business meetings
• Casual conversation
• News reports
• Instructions

Master this pattern. Timing confusion disappears immediately.