PhillipK  +  516037 Tue, 20 May 08 02:36 PM Is before used in past perfect in the same way as ago in past simple? Example: past perfect: When I arrived, his room-mate told me that he had left three hours before.                past simple: He left three hours ago, sorry mate. Thank you. PhillipK Joined on Tue, May 6 2008 Czech New Member 06 Past Perfect, Past Simple

	Clive  +  516130 Tue, 20 May 08 05:22 PM Hi, Is before used in past perfect in the same way as ago in past simple? Example: past perfect: When I arrived, his room-mate told me that he had left three hours before. Yes, people say this casually. It seems less casual to say something like 'earlier' rather than 'before'. The 'had' is often omitted, since 'before/earlier' makes the sequence clear..                past simple: He left three hours ago, sorry mate. Best wishes, Clive Clive Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004 Canada Veteran Member 29,612 El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo Past Perfect, Past Simple

	CalifJim  +  516161 Tue, 20 May 08 06:32 PM It seems like you're concentrating on reported speech.  As Clive says, earlier is most likely the word you want to replace ago when you backshift the tenses. Examples: James said, "Henry left two hours ago."    James said that Henry had left two hours earlier.  Ken said, "Frieda bought a new car two weeks ago. "  Ken said that Frieda had bought a new car two weeks earlier. before and previously are also sometimes used.  Personally, I don't find them as good. CJ  CalifJim Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004 California Veteran Member 22,399 "There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche Tenses