Before an action with the same subject

The idea

Use antes de plus an infinitive for an action that happens later; the main action happens first. Both actions have the same subject.

Examples

• Antes de cocinar, lavamos las verduras.Before cooking, we wash the vegetables.
• Reviso la dirección antes de salir.I check the address before leaving.
• Ella llama antes de visitar a su abuela.She calls before visiting her grandmother.
• Antes de dormir, leo unas páginas.Before sleeping, I read a few pages.
• Ellos guardaron las herramientas antes de cenar.They put away the tools before dinner.
• Antes de firmar, usted puede hacer preguntas.Before signing, you can ask questions.

Watch out

Do not confuse the cause with a purpose, or reverse the order of the two events.

Try it yourself

1. The main action happens first. Complete the sentence using the intended relationship: Cierro las ventanas ___ salir. (antes de / después de)

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   antes de

   antes de: The windows are closed before leaving.

2. The main action happens first. Complete the sentence using the intended relationship: Nos ponemos el casco ___ montar en bicicleta. (antes de / después de)

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   antes de

   antes de: The helmet goes on before cycling.

3. The main action happens first. Complete the sentence using the intended relationship: Ella se lava las manos ___ preparar la comida. (antes de / después de)

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   antes de

   antes de: The hands are washed before cooking.

Use it today

Choose the expression that fits each situation.