What Part of Speech is Before [ Adjective, Conjunction, Preposition ]

In English, the word “before” can be used as a preposition, an adjective, a conjunction, or an adverb.

Preposition

As a preposition, “before” is used to show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and some other word in the sentence. It can indicate time, place, or manner, among other things. For example:

• “I will do my homework before bed.” (indicating time)
• “She sat before the fireplace.” (indicating place)
• “I’ll eat dinner before I do my homework.” (indicating time)
• “He arrived before the party was over.” (indicating time)
• “She will call you before she leaves.” (indicating time)

Adjective

As an adjective, “before” is used to indicate that something comes or happens earlier in time or sequence.

For example:

• “The before party was a lot of fun.” (indicating that the party happened earlier in time)
• “The before dinner drinks were great.” (indicating that the drinks happened earlier in time)
• “I’ll do my before dinner exercise routine.” (indicating that the exercise routine happens earlier in time)
• “She is the before dinner speaker.” (indicating that the speaker happens earlier in time or sequence)
• “We’ll have a before dinner walk.” (indicating that the walk happens earlier in time)

Conjunction

As a conjunction, “before” is used to introduce a clause that follows it and indicates a time or sequence.

For example:

• “I’m going to brush my teeth before I go to bed.” (introducing a clause and indicating a time or sequence)
• “She will call you before she gets home.” (introducing a clause and indicating a time or sequence)
• “I’ll do my homework before I eat dinner.” (introducing a clause and indicating a time or sequence)
• “We’ll go to the park before it starts raining.” (introducing a clause and indicating a time or sequence)
• “He will call you before he talks to his boss.”