What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
beforehand
Example
Please let me know beforehand if you won't be able to attend the meeting. [beforehand: adverb]
Example
She always likes to read the book beforehand so she can participate in the discussion. [beforehand: adverb]
before
Example
We arrived at the restaurant before the movie started. [before: preposition]
Example
He had never seen her before. [before: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Before is more commonly used than beforehand in everyday language. Before is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while beforehand is less common and tends to be used in more formal or specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between beforehand and before?
While before can be used in both formal and informal contexts, beforehand is typically associated with a more formal tone and is often used in professional or academic settings.
