this is before you were born vs this is before you are born

The correct phrase is 'this is before you were born.' The use of 'were' in the past tense is appropriate when referring to a time before the person's birth. 'This is before you are born' is incorrect because it mixes tenses.

Last updated: March 25, 2024

this is before you were born

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It correctly uses the past tense 'were' to refer to a time before the person's birth.

This phrase is used to indicate that something occurred or existed prior to the person's birth. It is a common expression to explain the timing of events or situations.

Examples:

I found this old photo of your parents. This is before you were born.
The house was built in the 1960s, so this is before you were born.
The story takes place in the 19th century, long before you were born.
This song was popular in the 1980s, before you were born.
The tradition dates back to a time before you were born.

Show examples from the web [+]

The first time I came here was before you were born.
That was before you were born.
I loved you before you were born.
It's right before you were born.
It's right before you were born.
Just after your parents arrived, Before you were born.
Florence and Rome have been at it since before you were born.
Your great-grandmother took care of you in heaven before you were born.
I was building this town before you were born.
Counselor, I've been a cop since before you were born.
I have supervised girls since before you were born.
I was ready before you were born, son.
This picture has been hanging here since before you were born.
This cupboard was mine before you were born...
We drove them from the surface of Mars long before you were born.
All this started before you were born.
She's been working for me since before you were born.
I broke out before you were born, boy.
Before you were born, Mr. Callen.
Aldo's known old man Lin since before you were born.

this is before you are born

This phrase is incorrect. It mixes tenses by using 'are born' in the present tense and 'before' in the past tense. It does not convey the intended meaning effectively.

Show examples from the web [+]

I listen to him before you born.
Alcohol can affect children even before they are born.
This winter, before the kids are born.
The first time I came here was before you were born.
That was before you were born.
I loved you before you were born.
It's right before you were born.
It's right before you were born.
Just after your parents arrived, Before you were born.
Florence and Rome have been at it since before you were born.
Your great-grandmother took care of you in heaven before you were born.
I was building this town before you were born.
Counselor, I've been a cop since before you were born.
I have supervised girls since before you were born.
I was ready before you were born, son.
This picture has been hanging here since before you were born.
This cupboard was mine before you were born...
We drove them from the surface of Mars long before you were born.
All this started before you were born.
She's been working for me since before you were born.

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this is before you were born vs this is before you are born