What is ago? Pronunciation and usage in English

ago means . Learn how to pronounce and use ago through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of ago

agoadverb

/əˈɡəʊ/
Definition & pronunciation of ago

The word "ago" is pronounced AY-go.

Here's a breakdown:

  • AY - like the word "ay" in "okay"
  • go - as you would normally say "go"

You can hear it pronounced here: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/ago

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Usage and examples with the word ago 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"?

Synonyms for the word ago

Practice with vocabulary ago

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. I visited Paris three years ______.
  2. She finished her presentation just a moment ______.
  3. We moved into this house ______ December.
  4. The meeting was scheduled for 10 a.m., but it started ______.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best completes the sentence?
    "He started his new job six months ______."
    a) since
    b) ago
    c) before
    d) previously

  2. What word fits the context?
    "The company launched the product two years ______."
    a) past
    b) ago
    c) earlier
    d) next

  3. Select the correct option:
    "I met her ______, but I can’t remember exactly when."
    a) lately
    b) ago
    c) recently
    d) earlier

  4. Which word is appropriate here?
    "The package arrived ______, so I haven’t opened it yet."
    a) just
    b) ago
    c) before
    d) since

  5. What word completes the sentence?
    "The train left the station five minutes ______."
    a) ago
    b) next
    c) after
    d) before

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She graduated from university last year.
    Rewrite: She graduated from university a year ______.

  2. Original: The project was completed two weeks before the deadline.
    Rewrite: The project was completed two weeks ______.

  3. Original: He called me an hour earlier.
    Rewrite: He called me an hour ______.

Answer:
Exercise 1:

  1. ago
  2. ago
  3. in
  4. later

Exercise 2:

  1. b) ago
  2. b) ago
  3. c) recently
  4. a) just
  5. a) ago

Exercise 3:

  1. She graduated from university a year ago.
  2. The project was completed two weeks ago.
  3. He called me an hour earlier.

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