beforehand
gb/bɪfˈɔɹhˌænd/ us/bɪfˈɔɹhˌænd/
B1
English
~ 4500
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
relation
1
Earlier than a particular time
Before a certain time or event happens.
Usage pattern:
to do [something] beforehand
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'beforehand' with 'before', using them interchangeably. 'Beforehand' usually refers to preparing or doing something earlier in anticipation of an event, while 'before' simply refers to an earlier time without implying preparation.
Synonyms
in advance (Slightly more formal and common in business or official contexts.)
|
earlier (More general and can refer to any previous time, not necessarily planned.)
Antonyms
afterwards (Refers to a time following an event, the opposite of before it happens.)
Collocations
plan beforehand
|arrange beforehand
|discuss beforehand
|prepare beforehand
Themes
daily life
|planning
|time
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We should book the tickets beforehand to get a good price.
- She had prepared her speech beforehand.
- Please let me know beforehand if you can’t come.
- They discussed the plan beforehand to avoid confusion.
- You must sign up beforehand to join the class.
Learner examples
- I called my friend beforehand.
- He cleaned the room beforehand.
- We ate lunch beforehand.
- She read the book beforehand.
- They bought the food beforehand.
Grammar
Dictionary form
beforehand
IPA
GB/bɪfˈɔɹhˌænd/
US/bɪfˈɔɹhˌænd/
Syllables & stress
be - fore - hand (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fore)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: beforehand
- Plural: beforehands
Word family
Forms
beforehands
noun
Core family
before
adverb/preposition/conjunction A1
Related words
previous
adjective A2
previously
adverb B1
Expressions
arrange beforehand
1/ɚˈeɪnd͡ʒ bɪfˈɔɹhˌænd/
fixed phrase
Organize in advance
To organize or agree on details before they are needed.
Examples
- Everything was arranged beforehand for the meeting.
- They arranged beforehand where to meet.
know beforehand
1/nˈoʊ bɪfˈɔɹhˌænd/
fixed phrase
Be aware in advance
To have information before something happens.
Examples
- If I had known beforehand, I would have helped.
- You should know beforehand what the rules are.
plan beforehand
1/plˈæn bɪfˈɔɹhˌænd/
fixed phrase
Arrange things in advance
To decide and arrange things before they are needed or happen.
Examples
- We need to plan beforehand so the event runs smoothly.
- Plan beforehand to avoid last-minute stress.