BEFORE, IN FRONT OF

BEFORE, IN FRONT OF

You use before to talk about something that happens at an earlier time than something else.

1. I woke well before dawn.
2. He thought for a moment before he spoke.

If someone or something is in front of a particular thing, they are further forward than it is.

3. He stood there, in front of the desk, chewing at his moustache.
4. Stopping in front of the aluminium gate, she got out and unlocked the chain.

You can use before to mean the same as in front of. This is a formal or old-fashioned use.

5. He saw now suddenly before him the face of Guy.
6. The tea had been set before them.