Learning how to say simple words like después and antes in English is a great step for anyone starting their journey in language learning. These small but essential words help describe when something happens, which is very important in daily conversations. Whether you’re planning your day, telling a story, or giving instructions, knowing how to use después (after) and antes (before) correctly in English will help you speak more clearly and confidently. These two time-related words are often used with verbs and can also guide the order of actions, events, or instructions. Let’s explore how to use después and antes in English in different ways.
Understanding ‘Después’ in English
Basic translation of ‘después’
In English, the word después is translated asafter. This word helps us express that something happens later than something else. It tells us about the sequence or timing of events.
Examples of ‘after’ in a sentence
Here are a few simple examples to understand how after is used in English sentences:
- I will eatafterI finish my homework.
- She went to sleepafterwatching the movie.
- We can go to the parkafterlunch.
Grammatical placement of ‘after’
After can be used as a preposition, conjunction, or adverb. Here’s how each is used:
- Preposition: After dinner, we played a game.
- Conjunction: We went home after we finished shopping.
- Adverb: He came in first, and she arrived soon after.
Understanding ‘Antes’ in English
Basic translation of ‘antes’
The word antes in English is translated asbefore. This word is used to express that something happens earlier than something else.
Examples of ‘before’ in a sentence
Let’s look at some simple examples of how before can be used in English:
- Wash your handsbeforeeating.
- She leftbeforethe rain started.
- I always brush my teethbeforebed.
Grammatical placement of ‘before’
Like after, the word before can also be a preposition, conjunction, or adverb:
- Preposition: Before breakfast, I go for a run.
- Conjunction: He arrived before I did.
- Adverb: I had seen her before.
Combining ‘Before’ and ‘After’ in Sentences
When learning English, it’s useful to know how to use before and after together to talk about a series of actions. This helps improve storytelling and instruction-giving skills. See how they are used in the examples below:
- Beforewe eat dessert, we must finish our dinner. Then,afterdinner, we can have some cake.
- He called mebeforehe left, and I texted himafterhe arrived.
These kinds of sentences help learners understand how to express past and future sequences more accurately.
Helpful Phrases Using ‘Before’ and ‘After’
Common expressions with ‘before’
- Before long – Example: You will understand this before long.
- Before you know it – Example: The holidays will be here before you know it.
Common expressions with ‘after’
- Soon after – Example: She got a job soon after graduation.
- Day after day – Example: He practiced the piano day after day.
These expressions are used in casual and formal English and are good for expanding vocabulary.
Practice Exercises for Kids
Fill in the blank with ‘before’ or ‘after’
- We ate lunch ______ the game.
- Brush your teeth ______ you go to school.
- He took a nap ______ he finished his book.
- They played outside ______ doing their homework.
Correct answers:
- after
- before
- after
- before
Create your own sentences
Encourage children to make their own sentences using before and after. For example:
- I wash my face before going to bed.
- I play games after finishing my schoolwork.
Creating personal examples helps them connect the meaning with their daily routines.
Tips for Parents and Teachers
How to explain ‘después’ and ‘antes’ in English
To help children understand these time words, use simple activities:
- Create a daily schedule with before and after steps.
- Use storytelling to ask questions like What happened before? and What happened after?
- Use visual aids like drawings or flashcards that show events in order.
Games and activities
Make learning fun with simple games such as:
- Sequence games: Arrange pictures in the correct before and after order.
- Role-playing: Act out routines while saying what comes before and after.
- Story cubes: Roll dice with actions and tell a story using before and after.
Understanding the words después and antes in English translated as after and before is essential for learning how to express time and order in conversation. Whether your child is telling a story, describing a routine, or giving instructions, knowing how to use these words correctly will make them a more confident and fluent speaker. With regular practice, games, and supportive guidance, kids can master the use of before and after and build a strong foundation for more advanced English skills. These simple yet powerful words are key building blocks in communication that will serve learners well as they grow.