Before vs Previously: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Are you confused about whether to use “before” or “previously” in your writing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of.

We should clarify which of the two words is the proper one to use. The answer is that it depends on the context. In some cases, both words may be appropriate. However, in general, “before” is the more commonly used word.

So, what do these words actually mean? “Before” is an adverb that means “at an earlier time” or “in front of”. For example, “I arrived before the party started”.

“Previously”, on the other hand, is an adverb that means “at an earlier time or formerly”. For example, “I had previously visited that museum”.

Now that we’ve established the definitions of these two words, let’s dive deeper into their usage in the English language.

Define Before

Before is an adverb that refers to a time earlier than the present moment or a specified time. It can also be used as a conjunction to introduce a clause indicating the earlier time at which something happened or was done. For example:

• She arrived before the meeting started.
• Before he could finish his sentence, she interrupted him.

Before can also be used as a preposition to indicate a time earlier than a specified event or action. For example:

• We need to finish this project before the deadline.
• He had never been to New York before he met her.

Define Previously

Previously is an adverb that refers to a time earlier than the present moment or a specified time. It is often used to indicate that something has already happened or been done. For example:

• She had previously worked for a different company.
• The restaurant had previously been a bookstore.

Previously can also be used as an adjective to describe something that existed or occurred before a specified time or event. For example:

• The previously mentioned study found similar results.
• Previously owned cars are often a good deal.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Proper usage of words in a sentence is essential to convey the intended meaning accurately. In this section, we will discuss the appropriate usage of the words “before” and “previously” in a sentence.

How To Use “Before” In A Sentence

The word “before” is an adverb that indicates an action or event that takes place earlier than another action or event. It is commonly used to indicate the order of events in a sentence.

Here are some examples of how to use “before” in a sentence:

• She finished her homework before going to bed.
• The concert started before we arrived.
• He had never visited New York City before.

Note that “before” can also be used as a conjunction to connect two clauses. In this case, a comma is required before “before.”

Example:

• I will finish my work, before I go to the party.

How To Use “Previously” In A Sentence

The word “previously” is an adverb that indicates an action or event that occurred before a specific time or event in the past. It is commonly used to provide a reference to a previous occurrence.

Here are some examples of how to use “previously” in a sentence:

• He had previously worked as a teacher before becoming a writer.
• The company had previously announced the new product launch.
• She had previously visited the museum, so she knew what to expect.

Note that “previously” is often used in academic or technical writing to refer to a previously published work or study.

Example:

Author	Title of Study	Previously Published In
Smith, J.	The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture	Journal of Environmental Science, previously published in 2018

Overall, the proper usage of “before” and “previously” in a sentence can greatly enhance the clarity and effectiveness of communication. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing is accurate and easy to understand.

More Examples Of Before & Previously Used In Sentences

In this section, we will take a closer look at more examples of how “before” and “previously” are used in sentences. By understanding the nuances of these two words, you can improve your writing and communication skills.

Examples Of Using “Before” In A Sentence

• Before we begin the meeting, let’s review the agenda.
• He had never visited Paris before.
• The package should arrive before Friday.
• She washed her hands before eating.
• Before the invention of the printing press, books were handwritten.
• Let’s finish this task before moving on to the next one.
• Before you make a decision, consider all the facts.
• The company had never experienced a loss before the recession.
• Before he could speak, she interrupted him.
• She had never tasted sushi before.

Examples Of Using “Previously” In A Sentence

• He had previously worked at a law firm.
• The meeting had been scheduled previously.
• She had previously visited Japan.
• The company had previously launched a similar product.
• Previously, the restaurant had been a clothing store.
• She had previously been married to a musician.
• The software had previously been updated.
• He had previously been a vegetarian.
• Previously, the law had allowed for this type of behavior.
• She had previously studied abroad in Spain.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “before” and “previously” in English, many people tend to use them interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Before” And “Previously” Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “before” and “previously” interchangeably, assuming that they mean the same thing. However, this is not the case. “Before” refers to something that happens first in time, while “previously” refers to something that happened at an earlier point in time, regardless of the order.

For example, if you say “I ate breakfast before I went to work,” it means that you ate breakfast first, and then went to work. However, if you say “I previously worked at a bank,” it means that you worked at a bank at an earlier point in time, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you worked there before your current job.

Confusing “Before” With “Ago”

Another common mistake is confusing “before” with “ago.” While they may seem similar, they have different meanings. “Before” refers to something that happens first in time, while “ago” refers to a specific amount of time that has passed since an event.

For example, if you say “I finished my work before an hour,” it means that you finished your work an hour ago. However, if you say “I finished my work an hour ago,” it means that you finished your work at a specific point in time, and an hour has passed since then.

Using “Before” As A Conjunction

One more mistake that people make is using “before” as a conjunction, which is grammatically incorrect. “Before” is a preposition, and should be followed by a noun or a noun phrase.

For example, if you say “I will finish my work before I will go home,” it is incorrect. Instead, you should say “I will finish my work before going home.”

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

Here are some tips to help you avoid making these mistakes in the future:

• Always double-check the meaning of the words “before” and “previously” before using them in a sentence.
• If you’re not sure which one to use, try rephrasing the sentence to see if it still makes sense.
• Be careful when using “before” and “ago” in the same sentence, as they can be easily confused.
• Remember that “before” is a preposition, and should be followed by a noun or a noun phrase.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “before” and “previously” can depend on the context in which they are used. Both words refer to something that occurred earlier in time, but there are subtle differences that can affect their usage.

Examples Of Different Contexts

The following are examples of different contexts and how the choice between before and previously might change:

Context	Before	Previously
Chronological Order	“I ate breakfast before I went to work.”	“I previously ate breakfast before going to work.”
Legal Documents	“Before signing the contract, read it carefully.”	“Previously, you were advised to read the contract carefully before signing.”
Academic Writing	“Before discussing the results, it is important to understand the methodology.”	“Previously, the methodology was explained before the results were discussed.”

In the context of chronological order, “before” is the more common choice. However, in legal documents and academic writing, “previously” can be used to indicate that a previous action or statement was made. It is important to consider the context in which these words are used to ensure that the intended meaning is conveyed accurately.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “before” and “previously” are generally straightforward, there are certain exceptions where they may not apply. In these cases, it’s important to understand the nuances of the English language in order to use these words correctly.

Exception 1: When “Before” Refers To Physical Position

One exception to the rule for using “before” is when it refers to physical position. In this case, “before” can be used to indicate that one object is located in front of another.

For example:

• The mailbox is before the house.
• The tree is before the fence.

It’s important to note that this usage of “before” is not interchangeable with “previously.” “Previously” refers to time, not physical position.

Exception 2: When “Previously” Refers To A Specific Event

Another exception to the rule for using “previously” is when it refers to a specific event that occurred in the past. In this case, “previously” can be used to indicate that something has already happened.

For example:

• I previously told you about the meeting.
• The report was previously submitted to the committee.

It’s important to note that this usage of “previously” is not interchangeable with “before.” “Before” refers to time in general, not a specific event that occurred in the past.

Exception 3: When “Before” Is Used In The Phrase “Before Long”

Finally, another exception to the rule for using “before” is when it is used in the phrase “before long.” In this case, “before” is used to indicate that something will happen soon.

For example:

• Before long, the project will be completed.
• Before long, we’ll be at the beach.

It’s important to note that this usage of “before” is not interchangeable with “previously.” “Previously” refers to something that has already happened in the past, not something that will happen in the future.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the difference between “before” and “previously”, it is time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (before or previously) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

1. I had never been to Paris ____________.
2. He always checks his email ____________ leaving for work.
3. ___________ you go to bed, make sure you turn off all the lights.
4. She had met him ____________ at a party.
5. We had seen that movie ____________.

Answer Key:

1. previously
2. before
3. Before
4. previously
5. before

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using “previously” or “before” to make them more concise:

1. He had already eaten breakfast when he went for a run.
2. She had already read the book, so she didn’t want to see the movie.
3. I had already seen that movie, so I didn’t want to watch it again.

Answer Key:

1. He went for a run after he had eaten breakfast previously.
2. She didn’t want to see the movie because she had already read the book before.
3. I didn’t want to watch it again because I had already seen that movie before.

These practice exercises should help you feel more confident in your understanding and use of “before” and “previously” in sentences. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be using them like a pro!

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between “before” and “previously” can greatly improve your writing and communication skills. Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• “Before” refers to a specific point in time, while “previously” refers to any time before the current point in time.
• Using “before” can create a clearer and more concise sentence, while using “previously” can add unnecessary complexity.
• It is important to consider the context and intended meaning when deciding which word to use.

By paying attention to the nuances of language use, you can communicate your ideas more effectively and avoid confusion or misunderstandings.

Remember, grammar and language use are important skills to continually develop and refine. Keep learning and exploring the intricacies of the English language to improve your writing and communication abilities.