'before' vs 'as soon as'

[Liahna]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #142 "Time clauses: future tense examples", question 10

Our doctor advised us to have malaria vaccinations ......... we travel to Lombok.

(a) until
(b) before
(c) as soon as
(d) as long as

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #142 "Time clauses: future tense examples", answer 10

Our doctor advised us to have malaria vaccinations before we travel to Lombok.

Correct answer: (b) before
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Can i use as soon as. I want to know which one is better?

Liahna

[Alan]

Hi,

'Before' suggests you do something earlier or in advance. You have the vaccinations in preparation for your travel. 'As soon as' indicates the very first thing you do. You could say: As soon as you know that you are travelling to Lmbok, you should see your doctor.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Guy Fawkes Night for You