AFTER : BEFORE

TOPIC 14

AFTER : BEFORE

I. Preposition

These two propositions are used for time and order (or arrangements).

Examples

I will come after lunch.

Can you come before seven o’clock?

After the accident he was in hospital for two weeks.

The letter B comes after A and before C.

The preposition behind and in front of are more usual for place, but before is used meaning ‘face to face with’.

Examples

The accused man was brought before the judge

The dog was walking behind its master.

Look after means “take care of”

Who will look after the children now that their mother and father are dead?

After all may mean “in spite of the fact’.

He tried hard, but failed after all (i.e. in spite of trying hard).

II. Adverbs

After is occasionally used for afterwards, especially to modify a noun.

Examples

A few weeks after, he went abroad.

The after effects of this illness are sometimes serious.

Before as an adverb is used chiefly for time, rarely for place

Example

You should have said so before.

I can see you at eleven o’clock, but not before.

III. Conjunctions

Before and after as conjunctions refer to time.

Examples

* Before the war ended, he had fought in three continents.

* My friend arrived after I had left.

OR

* My friend did not arrive until after I had left.