BEFORE LONG (MEANING)

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rishonly

#148134 Sat, 15 Oct 05 06:05 PM

Before long, the trail became steeper and smoother where the rocks had been buffed by thousands of years of glacial activity.

What is the meaning of 'before long'? Is it equivalent to 'a long time ago'?

Joined on Sat, Mar 5 2005

KUMBAKONAM,INDIA

Contributing Member (1,781)

Regards, Krish

davkett

#148151 Sat, 15 Oct 05 06:51 PM

The most direct translation here would be, 'soon'.
'Soon, the trail became steeper...'

Or,
'Before we had gone a long distance, (after a short distance), the trail became steeper...'

Or,
'Before a long time had passed' (After a short time had passed), the trail became steeper...'

Joined on Tue, Jun 7 2005

Pennsylvania, USA

Senior Member (2,788)

"The rose stays fresh in its name..." -Bernard of Morlay

rishonly

#148167 Sat, 15 Oct 05 07:24 PM

Thanks again, Davkett.

Q: Will you please stop by my office?

A: Sure, I will be there before long. (I guess, here, we cannot use 'before long').

Would you please explain to me at what situation/context we can use 'before long'.

davkett

#148174 Sat, 15 Oct 05 07:34 PM

Rishonly wrote:

(I guess, here, we cannot use 'before long').

Yes, you can. It means, 'I'll be there soon' (before a long time passes).