Ago vs. Before | English Grammar Worksheet

Ago is used with a past tense and a time expression to count back from a moment in the present; before is used with a past perfect tense to count back from a past moment.

Complete the following sentences using ago or before whichever is appropriate.

1. James phoned five minutes ……………………

2. ‘Have you ever been here ………………………?’ ‘Yes I was here a year ……………………..’

3. Peter’s father died two years …………………..

4. He was ill for two years ………………………. he died.

5. I met that man in Vienna three years …………………………

6. They would die ……………………….. they give in.

7. I realized that I had met her ……………………….

8. We have been living here since eight years …………………………

9. The train went out ten minutes ………………………..

10. I have seen that film ………………………

Answers

1. James phoned five minutes ago.

2. ‘Have you ever been here before?’ ‘Yes I was here a year ago.’

3. Peter’s father died two years ago.

4. He was ill for two years before he died.

5. I met that man in Vienna three years ago.

6. They would die before they give in.

7. I realized that I had met her before.

8. We have been living here since eight years ago.

9. The train went out ten minutes ago.

10. I have seen that film before.