What are the definitions of “go before”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Precede.
We can't ignore what has GONE BEFORE and pretend that everything has been OK.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go before”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go before is to happen or exist before something else. It means that something comes first in order or time. For example, it can be used when talking about events in the past or things that have already happened.
What are the different verb forms of “go before”?
| Root Verb | go before |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes before |
| Present Participle | going before |
| Simple Past | went before |
| Past Participle | gone before |
Example
The introduction should go before the main body of the text.
Example
The appetizer goes before the main course in a meal.
Example
The opening act is going before the headliner at the concert.
Example
The preface went before the first chapter in the book.
Example
The pioneers who have gone before us paved the way for our progress.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go before”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“go before” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The appetizer goes before the main course.
Example
The introduction should go before the main body of the text.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“go before” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The appetizer goes before the main course.
Example
The introduction should go before the main body of the text.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go before”?
Good things to know
Does “go before” have an informal or formal tone?
Go before is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it is often used in legal or official contexts, such as going before a judge or a committee. In informal settings, it can be used to talk about the order of events or things.
