a long time ago vs a long time before

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A long time ago' is commonly used to refer to a distant point in the past, while 'a long time before' is used to indicate a period of time prior to a specific event or point in time.

Last updated: March 21, 2024

a long time ago

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a distant point in the past.

This phrase is used to indicate a time that is far in the past. It is often used to start stories or anecdotes.

Examples:

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
I remember meeting her a long time ago.
He used to live here a long time ago.

Alternatives:

ages ago
many years ago
in the distant past
back in the day
once upon a time

a long time before

This phrase is correct and is used to indicate a period of time prior to a specific event or point in time.

This phrase is used to refer to a time that occurred before a particular event or point in time. It is often used to provide context or explain the timing of events.

Examples:

She left a long time before the party started.
He had finished his work a long time before the deadline.
The incident happened a long time before I joined the company.

Alternatives:

long before
well before
prior to
previously
earlier than

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a long time ago vs a long time before

a long time ago

a long time before

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