antes de que
Lemma Details
Translation: before; before that; prior to
Part of Speech: conjunction
Etymology: This conjunction is formed from three Spanish words: 'antes' (before), 'de' (of), and 'que' (that). 'Antes' derives from Latin 'ante' meaning 'before' or 'in front of', which is also the source of English words like 'anterior' and 'antecedent'. The construction creates a temporal conjunction that introduces subordinate clauses indicating that something happens prior to something else.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'antes' as 'anti-' in English (meaning 'before' or 'against') + 'de que' (of that)
- Remember that 'antes de que' requires the subjunctive mood by thinking: 'before something uncertain happens'
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This conjunction is widely used in Spanish to establish temporal relationships between clauses. It's important to note that 'antes de que' is typically followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood, which is a key grammatical difference from English.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Antes de que' is used before clauses (with verbs) and requires the subjunctive, while 'antes que' is used for comparing preferences.
Confused word:
Prefiero estudiar antes que ver televisión.
I prefer to study rather than watch television.
Notes: 'Antes de que' always triggers the subjunctive mood in Spanish because it refers to actions that haven't happened yet (and thus are uncertain).
Mnemonic: 'Antes de que' needs 'de' because it introduces a dependent action (with subjunctive); 'antes que' compares two things directly.
Explanation: 'Antes de que' introduces a clause with a verb, while 'antes de' is followed by a noun or infinitive.
Confused word:
Debes llamar antes de salir.
You should call before leaving.
Notes: The 'que' in 'antes de que' serves to connect the main clause with a subordinate clause containing a subject and verb.
Mnemonic: If you see a conjugated verb following, you need 'antes de que'; if you see a noun or infinitive, use 'antes de'.