beforehand
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adv.before a particular time or event happens.
adv.at an earlier or preceding time; in anticipation of a specific event.
Simple“If you want to come to the party, please let me know beforehand.”
In context“The organisers requested that all participants submit their dietary requirements beforehand to ensure the catering staff could prepare accordingly.”
UsageUsually placed at the end of a clause or after the verb.
PitfallI will call you before hand. I will call you beforehand.Beforehand is written as a single word, not two separate words.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
adj.being early or ahead of someone else in doing something.
adj.being in a state of anticipation or having done something in advance of others.
Simple“He was always beforehand with his work, finishing every task before the deadline.”
In context“In those days, a diligent clerk was expected to be beforehand with his accounts to avoid any suspicion of negligence.”
Teacher's tipThis adjectival use is rare in modern speech; learners should use 'ahead of schedule' or 'prepared' instead.
“The technical report will be completed in three to six months – after the November state election – with no further contracts signed beforehand.”
“The National Geographic Institute also advises people to identify safe areas and emergency exits beforehand, as well as making sure you have emergency telephone numbers.”
From Middle English biforhand, biforhond, beforehonde, bifornhand, equivalent to before + hand. [13th century. After Old French avant main].
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.