Learn English - Grammar

Ago

We use ago after an expression of time.

• The train went out 10 minutes ago.
  

Ago indicates a finished time and is normally used with a past tense.

• She telephoned five minutes ago. (NOT She has telephoned five minutes ago.)
  

The difference between ago and before

Ago is normally used with a simple past to count back from a present moment. Before is used with a past perfect to count back from a past moment.

• I saw him two years ago. (Two years from now.)
  
• I had seen him two years before I went to England.
  

Before can be used without a time expression to mean 'any time before now/then'.

• I think I have seen him before.
  

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