TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

A minute before vs A minute ago

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but 'A minute before' refers to an event that occurred one minute prior to the current time, while 'a minute ago' refers to an event that occurred one minute prior to the time of speaking.
Michele A. profile picture

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: October 25, 2024 • 12770 views

A minute before

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to an event that occurred one minute prior to the current time.

Use 'a minute before' when you want to indicate that something happened one minute earlier than the present moment.

Examples:

  • He arrived just a minute before the meeting started.
  • I saw her leave a minute before you arrived.
  • A minute before draining your tortellini, heat up sauce.
  • Brown cubed bread in olive oil on medium heat, stirring frequently. A minute before turning off the stove add dried fruit too, after chopping it.
  • You've only got a minute before they find you again.
  • We got about a minute before that thing circles back around.
  • Now, just a minute before you break out into unbridled laughter.
  • Give a guy a minute before you fall in love with him.
  • A minute before Lisa was attacked,
  • A minute before turning off the stove, cut in parsley and chives and add crabmeat too.
  • A minute before 8:00, you're right on time.
  • A minute before Lisa was attacked, Ken Song was drunk somewhere else, wearing the clothes in which he was arrested...
  • Twelve-thirty, not a minute before.
  • I was on the bus for a minute before security came in.
  • Left the bus stop a minute before it happened.
  • Yes, only a minute before.
  • He waited a minute before going into the apartment.
  • I add the remaining beans a minute before turning off the stove.
  • Hide boots and wait a minute before opening the door.
  • I only saw him a minute before the hearing.
  • We have about a minute before Hydra opens fire.
  • This was delivered To my office less than a minute Before Henry Andrews blew past my window.

Alternatives:

  • a minute earlier
  • a minute prior
  • a minute previously
  • a minute back
  • a minute in the past

A minute ago

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to an event that occurred one minute prior to the time of speaking.

Use 'a minute ago' when you want to indicate that something happened one minute earlier than the current moment.

Examples:

  • She called me just a minute ago.
  • I finished my homework a minute ago.
  • A minute ago, I was in San Diego.
  • A minute ago, the charge would've been smuggling.
  • A minute ago, you were in full control.
  • A minute ago it was Alice Brandt.
  • A minute ago, he was talking about how much he missed being arrested.
  • That vest was on you a minute ago.
  • A minute ago you said I was irresistible.
  • A minute ago, that wasn't here.
  • A minute ago you were my friend.
  • A minute ago, it was like you were taking sniper fire.
  • A minute ago, your issue was with legality.
  • A minute ago, the fog was not there.
  • A minute ago, you was crying about being claustrophobic.
  • A minute ago, this tasted like a normal coffee.
  • A minute ago you said the station was antiquated.
  • A minute ago you said they were trying to kill me.
  • A minute ago he gained practically unlimited access to all materials...
  • A minute ago, I was truly fearing for my life.
  • A minute ago, I was kind of furious.
  • A minute ago and she looked...

Alternatives:

  • a minute back
  • a minute in the past
  • a minute earlier
  • a minute previously
  • a minute prior

Related Comparisons

the day before vs a day before at least a week before vs at least one week before one hour before vs hour before a long time ago vs a long time before -- vs just a day before minutes before vs minutes earlier

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!