English grammar
Before + -ing (same subject) vs before + present simple (different subject)
Say "before" with -ing (same person) or before + present simple (someone else).
From the scene Before you back out
In short
If the same person does both, use before + -ing. Otherwise use before + person + present simple: before someone takes it.
Your turn
Which one goes with same person does both things?
Options: before deciding · before someone takes it · before booking
Show answer
same person does both things → before booking
How it works
When the same person does both actions, use before + -ing: before deciding, before booking.
Good to know
When the subject changes, use before + subject + present simple — never will: before someone takes it, before you back out.
same person does both things before deciding
Nuria
Before deciding, look at the calendar.
Antes de decidir, mira el calendario.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), look at the calendar.
Options: Before deciding · Before booking · Before someone takes it
Show answer
Nuria
Before deciding, look at the calendar.
Antes de decidir, mira el calendario.
same person does both things before booking
Tomás
Before booking, can I think about it one more day?
Antes de reservar, ¿puedo pensarlo un día más?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), can I think about it one more day?
Options: Before booking · Before deciding · Before someone takes it
Show answer
Tomás
Before booking, can I think about it one more day?
Antes de reservar, ¿puedo pensarlo un día más?
a different person, NOT "before someone will take it" before someone takes it
Nuria
Book it now, before someone takes it.
Resérvalo ya, antes de que te lo quiten.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Book it now, (blank).
Options: before booking · before someone takes it · before deciding
Show answer
Nuria
Book it now, before someone takes it.
Resérvalo ya, antes de que te lo quiten.
a different person, NOT "before you will back out" before you back out
Nuria
Half of Madrid. Decide before you back out.
Medio Madrid. Decide antes de que te arrepientas.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Half of Madrid. Decide (blank).
Options: before deciding · before booking · before you back out
Show answer
Nuria
Half of Madrid. Decide before you back out.
Medio Madrid. Decide antes de que te arrepientas.
a different person before Marisa backs out
Nuria
Not you... But book it before Marisa backs out.
Tú no... Pero resérvalo antes de que se arrepienta Marisa.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Not you... But book it (blank).
Options: before booking · before Marisa backs out · before deciding
Show answer
Nuria
Not you... But book it before Marisa backs out.
Tú no... Pero resérvalo antes de que se arrepienta Marisa.
Common mistake
Not Before to or Before of here. Same person does both → -ing.
Before deciding, look at the calendar.
Antes de decidir, mira el calendario.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| same person does both things | before deciding |
|---|---|
| same person does both things | before booking |
| a different person, NOT "before someone will take it" | before someone takes it |
| a different person, NOT "before you will back out" | before you back out |
| a different person | before Marisa backs out |
More lines from the story
- NuriaTomás, you need to decide the date now.Tomás, tienes que decidir la fecha ya.