Is Before A Conjunction? 5 Facts(When, Why & Examples)

The conjunctions are the connectors or linkers that we use in sentences to join words, phrases, clauses, and sentences. Here we will explore the word ‘before’ as conjunction.

The word ‘before’ is definitely conjunction because it joins two opposite clauses together and forms a complex sentence.

Example- Call on your friend before you go to the playground.

Explanation- In this sentence, the word ‘before’ acts as a conjunction. It connects two opposite clauses a makes a complex sentence.

Let us discuss more facts about it.

When is ‘before’ a conjunction?

We can use the word ’before’ as a conjunction. Here we will examine when we use it as a conjunction.

The word ‘before’ is used as a conjunction when we wish to join two clauses together to frame a complex sentence. The word ‘before’ refers to the order of actions in a sentence. We can use it to indicate the clause it introduces that takes place after the other clause.

Example- Ask for the permission of the teacher before you enter the class.

Explanation- In this sentence, the word ‘before’ connects two clauses and makes a complex sentence. The order of events is mentioned here.

Why is ‘before’ a subordinating conjunction?

We can use the word ‘before’ as a subordinate conjunction. Now, we will explain why ‘before’ can be placed as a subordinating conjunction.

The word ‘before’ bridges a link between the main clause and a sub-clause. The word ‘before’ connects two opposite clauses and we have the time effects.

Example- My friends had gone to the playground before me.

Explanation- In this sentence, the word ‘before’ does not act as a conjunction. It is not used to connect words or phrases.

Examples of ‘before’ as subordinating conjunction:

The following are examples where the word ‘before’ is used as subordinating conjunctions.

Look at the examples below in the table.

ExamplesExplanations
1. Did your mother say anything before she died?In this example, the word ‘before’ has been used as a subordinating conjunction and joins the opposite clauses together to frame a single sentence.
2. Eshika can reach her destination before the sun sets.Here the word ‘before’ joins the main clause and a sub-clause. It makes a complex sentence. 
3. Has Tanmoy eaten rice before his mother sees him?Here it is seen that ‘before’ shows action before another action. It joins the opposite clauses and makes a single one.
4. Before I arrived the teacher came to my house.In this example, the word ‘before’ joins two opposite clauses and brings out time effects.
5. Nikita went to school before the bell rang.Here we see that the word ‘before’ connects the main clause ‘Nikita went to school’ and the dependent clause ‘the bell rang’ and a complex sentence.
Examples of ‘before’ as subordinating conjunction

When is ‘before’ not considered as conjunction?

We can use the word ‘before’ as other parts of speech rather than a conjunction. Here we will look at when it is not considered a conjunction.

The word ‘before’ is not considered as conjunction when it is placed as a preposition or as an adverb in a sentence based on the need. We can get the meanings of the word ‘before’ as we use it. The following examples will show when it is not a conjunction.

Look at the sentences below.

ExamplesExplanations
1. Will you meet me before Suman?Here the ford ‘before’ acts as a preposition. It is placed before the noun ‘Suman’ and sets up a relationship with the other parts of the sentence.
2. The tourists left the place before sunrise.In this sentence, ‘before’ is put before the noun ‘sunrise’ and establishes a relation with the other words of the sentence.
3. Rocky returned home just before it rained.Here the word  ‘before’ is used as an adverb and modifies the verb ‘returned’.
Examples of ‘before’ when not considered as conjunction

Examples of ‘before’ not considered as conjunctions:

The following sentences deal with the word ‘before’ that is not acting as a conjunction.

View the examples below in the table.

ExamplesExplanations
1. You are asked to think before you take a decision.Here it shows that the word ‘before’ is used as an adverb.
2. Come to me before 5 p.m.In this sentence, the word ‘before’ acts as a preposition.
3. The boy completed his homework before his friend.Here the word ‘before’ is placed before a noun and acts as a preposition.
4. My grandfather built a house before 1990.In this scenario, we see that the word ‘before’ is used before the year ‘1990’ and acts as an adverb. It modifies the verb ‘built’.
Examples of ‘before’ not considered as conjunctions

Through careful reading of the article, we will be able to use the word ‘before’ in the right places.

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