What is ago? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "ago" in English. It's a bit tricky because it can be used in a couple of different ways, and understanding the nuance is key.

1. "Ago" as a Time Marker (Past Time)

This is the most common use of "ago." It refers to a point in the past relative to the present. It tells you how long ago something happened.

• Structure: X ago + Past Tense Verb

• Examples:

  • "I went to Paris two years ago." (Indicates a specific time in the past.)
  • "She finished school five years ago."
  • "We met last month ago." (Note: "last month" is more common than "last month ago")
  • "He bought that car a long time ago." (Here, "a long time ago" is an idiom expressing a significant period of time – it's more than just "a long time.")
  • "They lived in Italy ten years ago."

2. "Ago" as a Preposition of Time (Less common, more formal)

This usage is less frequent and often sounds a bit more formal or literary. It essentially means "before" or "prior to."

• Structure: Ago + Noun/Pronoun

• Examples:

  • "He left ago." (Meaning: He left before)
  • "She arrived ago." (Meaning: She arrived before)
  • “I saw him ago.” (Meaning: I saw him before)

Important Notes and Common Mistakes:

• "Last Ago" is Incorrect: You never say “last ago.” “Last” already functions as a time marker. Use “last month,” "last year," "last week," etc.

• "A Long Time Ago" is an Idiom: As mentioned above, "a long time ago" is a common idiom that emphasizes a considerable period of time.

• Use "Before" as an Alternative: Sometimes, "before" is a clearer and more natural alternative to "ago," especially when you're simply stating a time in the past. For example: "I went to Paris before last year."

Here's a table summarizing the usage:

Use	Structure	Example	Meaning
Time Marker	X ago + Past Tense	I saw him two weeks ago.	Happened in the past, relative to now
Preposition	Ago + Noun/Pronoun	He left ago.	Happened before

To help me give you more tailored guidance, could you tell me:

• What kind of sentence are you trying to write? (e.g., a simple statement, a narrative, etc.)
• Can you give me an example sentence where you're considering using "ago"?