Two houses to the left of the tall building. vs Houses before the tall building.

[Purley]

Hello everyone, what is the difference if there is any between saying "two houses to the left of the tall building" and "two houses before the tall building" if the direction of motion is from SOUTH to NORTH.

i also have another question for all concerend.Is it correct to say "the installation was done in accordance with the instructions manual" If it is incorrect please show me right way of writing the sentence.

thank you in advance

purley

[Alan]

Hi Purley,

'Before' as a preposition meaning 'in front of' is usually used (in a literary way) with reference to people as in: We stood before the king admiring the brilliance of his crown. In that sense therefore it would not usually be used for things - in your sentence 'the tall building'. You would probably say: In front of the tall building. 'To the left of' is therefore a different position altogether-at the left side of.

'In accordance with' is fine and simply means 'following'.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A day in the life of a parliamentary candidate

[Purley]

Thank you, Alan it seems so easy when i read your explanation but when it comes writing my own sentences theres always an elment of doubt. i just hope I can be as helpful as you are to the other members.

thank you once again
purley