〜前に 動詞

Meaning

This pattern is used to describe the order of actions. Before the action stated in the main clause occurs, another action happens first. The tense of the entire sentence is determined by the main verb (after 前に). The verb before 前に must always be in dictionary form, and nouns are preceded by の.

Formation

Examples

1. ご飯を 食べる 前に、手を 洗いましょう。
   Let's wash our hands before eating dinner.

2. 旅行の 前に、新しいカメラを 買います。
   I will buy a new camera before the trip.

3. 友達が 家に くる前に、部屋を 掃除しました。
   I cleaned the room before my friend came to my house.

Summary

• Use 動詞辞書形 + 前に or 名詞 + の前に to express 'before doing/before something'
• The verb immediately before 前に must always be in dictionary (plain) form
• Sentence tense is determined by the main verb that follows 前に, not the prior action