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beforehand

adj. time
B2 Upper Intermediate US //bɪˈfɔɹˌhænd// UK //bɪfˈɔːhænd// be·fore·hand Archaic

adj. earlier than a specific time or event. You use this when you want to say that something was done in advance to be ready.

adj. at an earlier or preceding time; in anticipation of a future event.


SIMPLE

I booked the tickets beforehand to get a better price.

CONTEXTUAL

The chef prepared all the ingredients beforehand so the dinner service would run smoothly once the guests arrived.

COMPLEX

While some prefer to improvise during a presentation, most professionals find that researching the audience beforehand allows for a much more tailored and persuasive delivery.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English biforhand, biforhond, beforehonde, bifornhand, equivalent to before + hand. [13th century. After Old French avant main].

Usage

Typically placed at the end of a clause or after the verb it modifies.

Pitfall

I did it before handI did it beforehandLearners often mistakenly write this as two separate words; it is a single compound adverb.

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