Time Sequencers with Past Simple
When describing sequences of events in the past, we use time sequencers with the past simple. Common time sequencers include: first, then, after that, next, finally, later, eventually.
Using ‘Before’ and ‘After’
There are two ways to use ‘before’ and ‘after’ with past actions:
1. With a full clause: ‘Before I went to work, I had breakfast’
2. With a gerund: ‘Before going to work, I had breakfast’
Note: When using ‘going’ in this way, it’s a gerund (noun form), not a continuous tense.
1. With a full clause: ‘Before I went to work, I had breakfast’
2. With a gerund: ‘Before going to work, I had breakfast’
Note: When using ‘going’ in this way, it’s a gerund (noun form), not a continuous tense.
Event Sequences
The past simple shows completed actions in sequence: ‘I woke up, took a shower, got dressed, and left for work.’
Examples
First, I opened the door. Then, I walked inside. Finally, I sat down.Shows clear sequence using time sequencers with past simple verbs
Before starting the meeting, she prepared all the documents.Uses ‘before’ with gerund form (starting)
Before she started the meeting, she prepared all the documents.Uses ‘before’ with past simple clause
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: Before I am going to work
✅ Correct: Before going to work / Before I went to work
Explanation: Don’t use present tense after ‘before’ when describing past events
❌ Incorrect: Before to go to work
✅ Correct: Before going to work
Explanation: Use gerund (going) not infinitive (to go) after ‘before’
Tips for Success
- Remember that ‘getting’, ‘going’, etc. after ‘before’ or ‘after’ are gerunds, not continuous tenses
- You can use either a gerund or a full clause after ‘before’ and ‘after’
- Time sequencers help make the order of events clear
- Keep the verbs in past simple when describing a sequence of completed actions