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.

TextRanch Editors

a while ago vs just before

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A while ago' is used to refer to a past time that is not specified, while 'just before' is used to indicate a specific time or event that occurred immediately prior to another event.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 990 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a past time that is not specified.

"a while ago"

This phrase is used to indicate a time in the past that is not precisely defined. It is often used in casual conversation to refer to something that happened some time before the current moment.

Examples:

  • I saw her a while ago at the store.
  • He called me a while ago, but I missed his call.
  • We went to that restaurant a while ago and had a great meal.
  • She moved to a new city a while ago.
  • I read that book a while ago and really enjoyed it.
  • 2 days ago ... r/StardewValley - Little fanart of Linus I did a while ago. Page 1 ( ...
  • Jan 11, 2017 ... a while ago means some time ago. The period of time we're talking about can be a day, a week, a couple of months or, possibly, even a couple ...
  • Jul 26, 2022 ... “Awhile ago” is incorrect—the adverb awhile must always modify a verb. That means you need the noun here. Example: A while ago in a sentence ...
  • 2 days ago ... STOLEN AMG! Hello my amg got stolen a while ago in sweden my question is if its possible to track the car trough the gps unit? Model is c63 2010.
  • Nov 1, 2020 ... Hello. Is the expression 'a while ago' used for very different time frames? Ex. -Have you seen Jack? -He was here a while ago (meaning ...
  • Aug 15, 2024 ... a bit of a while ago but not that long I made an album under the alias Stone Giants called West coast love stories. the first song since ...
  • Aug 2, 2012 ... Could you tell me which is the correct phrase here? He has gone out a while ago. He has gone out a while back. Thank you in advance. Angel. Back ...
  • 3 days ago ... A while ago, I became officially dutch! After 10 years working and living in the Netherlands - the country that welcomed me and ...
  • These are words and phrases related to a while ago. Click on any word or phrase to go to its thesaurus page. PREVIOUSLY. Synonyms.
  • Jun 11, 2024 ... A while ago, I committed to write about leadership lessons picked from my bosses and colleagues along the way, and I stopped at Larfarge.

Alternatives:

  • some time back
  • some time ago
  • a little while ago
  • a few moments ago
  • a bit earlier

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a specific time or event that occurred immediately prior to another event.

"just before"

This phrase is used to refer to a specific time or event that happened immediately before another event. It is often used to describe the timing of actions or occurrences.

Examples:

  • She left just before I arrived.
  • He finished his work just before the deadline.
  • The phone rang just before I was about to leave.
  • I saw him just before he left for the airport.
  • The rain stopped just before we started our picnic.
  • Casey stayed until just before closing.
  • Wilfred died of leukemia just before Yom Kippur.
  • Shaved his beard just before he escaped.
  • Use your Avonex injection just before bedtime.
  • Freeman visited Jack Ramsay just before his death.
  • They hit us just before dawn outside Montecatini.
  • Husband found her just before midnight.
  • The body was found just before half-eight.
  • That was just before the accident.
  • I smelt hyacinths, just before the sandbag dropped.
  • I arrived just before Carlos and the crime techs.
  • She called me just before the strike to gloat.
  • She called me just before the strike to gloat.
  • I offered him a job just before he died.
  • This is him just before he left.
  • Like her thoughts just before she died...
  • Cabby says he dropped her off here just before midnight.
  • Your father said nearly the same thing just before I slit his throat.
  • Warburg posted a video just before he went into hiding.
  • He was at the savoy just before he disappeared.

Alternatives:

  • right before
  • immediately before
  • shortly before
  • moments before
  • a moment ago

Related Comparisons

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo