Today, Emma explains where “ago” goes and which verb tense usually goes with it. Use “ago” to say how long before now something happened. Put it after the time expression.
Transcript
Vocabulary in this episode
- time expression
Put it after the time expression.
A group of words that tells when or how long before now something happened.
- time expression
In both examples, the time expression comes before “ago,” and the verb is in the past simple.
A group of words that tells how long before now the event happened.
- time expression
So remember: time expression first, “ago” next.
A group of words that tells how long before now something happened.
- past simple
We normally use the past simple with “ago.”
A verb form used to talk about finished events in the past.
- past simple
In both examples, the time expression comes before “ago,” and the verb is in the past simple.
A verb form used here to talk about finished events in the past.
- everyday example
Here’s another everyday example: “We ordered lunch an hour ago.”
A familiar, ordinary example from daily life.
- word order
Keep the same word order: say “an hour ago,” not “ago an hour.”
The arrangement of words in a sentence or phrase.