Hi, thank you for reading my question.
I'm an English learner.
As the title, my question is that what's the difference between "How long ago?" and "How long before?" ?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you.
2007-01-16 00:36:53 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
"How long ago" refers to something already done. "How long before" refers to something that is waiting to be done.
Examples:
How long ago did you take out the trash because the kitchen still stinks?
How long before you'll take out the trash because the kitchen is starting to stink?
Good luck! I hope that's clear enough. I'll try to think of more examples and post them if I can -
How long ago since you last cried?
How long until you finally break down and cry?
2007-01-16 00:43:03 · answer #1 · answered by They call me ... Trixie. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long ago refers to things in the past
How long before refers to an upcoming event
2007-01-16 00:45:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are asking two completely different questions.
"How long ago" is asking how much time has past.
for example: "How long ago did you meet Bob?" In other words, WHEN did you meet Bob.
"How long before" is asking about something that is yet to happen, or, speaking of the past, at what point in time.
for example:"How long before I get to meet Bob?"
or,
"How long before then, did you meet Bob?"
2007-01-16 00:50:08 · answer #3 · answered by cloud43 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ago = "in the past" / How long ago =How long in the past
Before = "prior to" or "in advance" / how long before = how long until
'how long before' is a bit idiomatic, since one may say "I knew her before" meaning "I knew her some time ago."
2007-01-16 00:50:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long ago = is refering to something which already happen. Something in the past.
How long ago did it happen.
How long before= is refering to something which is going to happen.
How long before those apple are ready to eat?
2007-01-16 00:44:55 · answer #5 · answered by wondermom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
'how long ago' implies a longer duration than 'how long before'. Anyway, 'how long before' sounds better.
2007-01-16 01:03:53 · answer #6 · answered by qwerty u 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in my advice there really isn't a difference
2007-01-16 00:41:19 · answer #7 · answered by baby girl 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋