before and after

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Using the prepositions before and after sometimes confuses my students. So I drew the following graphic to help explain how to use them.

Now using the picture above, guess which preposition to use for each of the following sentences placing the correct word (before or after) in place of the number in the sentence:

1. I was studying at Berlitz 5 months ① I met you.
2. I have taught flower arrangement to a Thai student 2 times ② I met her.
3. I bought flower materials ③ my co-worker and I planned the Christmas lesson.
4. I always prepare for my flower lesson ④ I teach my student.
5. I always check my email ⑤ I go to bed.

Using the prepositions Before and After
Answer for 1: before
Answer for 2: after
Answer for 3: after
Answer for 4: before
Answer for 5: before

NOTE: Be careful how you use these! For example, the following is grammatically correct:

He passed the test 3 years before he started studying.

but, this person would not need to study for the test if he passed it. Think about it. If he already passed the test, why does he need to study for it? So, the correct and probably what the speaker’s intended meaning should be this:

He started studying 3 years before he passed the test.

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Mar

1

before and after

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Here are some examples of how to use the words before and after:

Q: What time did you wake up?

A: I woke up 1 hour before I left home.

Q: So what time did you leave the meeting?

A: I left the meeting 1 hour after my boss left.

Popularity: 43%