Why do we describe something as being ‘before’ or ‘after’ another event, instead of saying it was ‘firstly’ or ‘finally’? Why is there a difference between before and after all these years? And what does it all mean? The key is to understand the difference between ‘before’ and ‘after’, because they don’t have the same meaning.
Summary Table
| Before | After |
| Has an origin and destination | Has no origin or destination |
| Happens earlier than now | Happens after now |
| Use present and past tense | Use past tense |
Definitions
Before refers to a point in time, and it typically has an origin and a destination. For example, ‘before I had breakfast’ means that it was before I woke up in the morning. A key way of understanding ‘before’ is to think of it as being a reference to time.
After refers to space and it typically has no origin, destination or point in time. For example, ‘after I had breakfast’ means that it happened after I woke up in the morning. A key way of understanding ‘after’ is to think of it as being a reference to space.
Before vs After
The difference between before and after is in the time. Before means, it happened earlier than now. When people talk about all before things happened, they use the present tense and past tense. After means, it happened after now. When people talk about all after things happened, they use the past tense.
Before is used to talk about a time or period preceding another time or period. The noun before can also refer to a point of reference or origin with respect to something else. After is the result or outcome of something that happened before, or an event that follows another event. The noun after can also refer to a time interval following another time interval. After is often used with adjectives such as “later” or “later on” to indicate an interval of time after another event.
An example of a difference between before and after meaning would be that “before” means “in front of” and “after” means “behind”. Be careful when you use these two words in a sentence as they are often confused with each other. Before is a preposition that means at an earlier time. After is taken in the sense of to come after, thus causing the events to follow one another.
As you can see, the meaning of before and after is opposite. Before means “in front of” while after means “after”.
In order to help you understand these words better, here are some examples:
- a) We will have lunch before we go out. (before – in front of)
- b) The car is parked after the house. (after – after)
- c) Is there anything you need before we go out today? (before – in front of)
Common Mistakes to Avoid with “Before” and “After”
Many people make mistakes when using the words “before” and “after.” Some use these words interchangeably, too. When used incorrectly, these words can cause miscommunication, confusion, and misunderstandings. So, here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when using these words:
Not Considering the Context
One common mistake is not considering the context when using before or after. For instance, the sentence “I’ll see you after lunch” may be clear if you’re talking with a friend. However, in a business setting, this sentence is too vague. Do you mean you’ll see them right after lunch or later in the day?
Using “After When You Mean “Before”
Another common mistake is using “after” when you mean “before.” For instance, the sentence “I’ll meet you after the meeting” when you really mean “I’ll meet you before the meeting” is confusing. Mixing up “after” and “before” can mean you’re late to an appointment (or even miss it), missed deadlines, and more.
Using “Before” When You Mean “After”
Just the opposite can happen if you use “before” when you mean “after.” For instance, you may say something like this, “I’ll finish the report before the deadline,” when you really mean, “I’ll finish the report after the deadline.” If you say the first sentence to your boss, they will count on you having the report done in advance of the deadline, not after!
You can see how this mistake can cause some serious issues, especially in a work environment.
Tips to Avoid These Mistakes
Consider what you’re trying to say before using “after” or “before.” Be sure to consider the context to ensure you use the right word.
If you’re not sure, ask the other person in your conversation. Make sure they understand what you mean by “after” or “before.”
Check your work, especially in a professional setting to avoid serious mistakes.
By following these tips, you can avoid incorrect usage of “after” and “before.”
