Preposition

(English prepositions)

Earlier than (in time).

* (Jonathan Swift) (1667–1745)

Before this treatise can become of use, two points are necessary.

*

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* {{quote-news, year=2011, date=November 11, author=Rory Houston, work=RTE Sport

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In front of in space.

* (John Milton) (1608-1674)

His angel, who shall go / Before them in a cloud and pillar of fire.

*

He tried to persuade Cicely to stay away from the ball-room for a fourth dance.she found her mother standing up before the seat on which she had sat all the evening searching anxiously for her with her eyes, and her father by her side.

* {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=September-October, author=(Henry Petroski)

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Under consideration, judgment, authority of (someone).

* (John Ayliffe) (1676-1732)

If a suit be begun before an archdeacon

In store for, in the future of (someone).

* (Thomas Carlyle) (1795-1881)

The golden ageis before us.

In front of, according to a formal system of ordering items.

At a higher or greater position in a ranking.

* (Bible), (w) i. 15

He that cometh after me is preferred before me.

* (Samuel Johnson) (1709-1784)

The eldest son is before the younger in succession.