Using the words "before" and "ago"

[Ryou]

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #112 "Synonyms for error and fault", question 2

Elizabeth realized that it had been a ......... to take her daughter to the house where her father was killed some years before.

(a) mistake
(b) slip
(c) fault
(d) misunderstanding

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #112 "Synonyms for error and fault", answer 2

Elizabeth realized that it had been a mistake to take her daughter to the house where her father was killed some years before.

Correct answer: (a) mistake

Your answer was: correct
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When do we use 'before' and when 'ago' in such sentences?

Ryou

[Alan]

Hi Ryou,

Both refer to a time in the past.

Some time ago means some time back from now.

Some time before before means some time back from then.

Someone is writing a letter home when they are on holiday:

There has been a lot of rain during the week. It started raining again two hours ago but the people who have been on holiday here for two weeks told us that it had rained before

Alan
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[Tom]

[Alan]

Hi Tom,

'Was killed' in the sentence simply refers to his death - where he was killed - rather than the action of his being killed. In that case I think 'had been killed' would be over the top - almost overkill!

A
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