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adv

ago

uh-GOH
adv
1
Used after a period of time to mean "before now."
"We met three years ago."
"The train left just a few minutes ago."

How to Use Ago

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMarks how far back in time something happened, always placed after the amount of time.

Common mistake

"Ago" always follows the time period ("two days ago"), never comes before it like "since."

Common pairings
long ago years ago a moment ago
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We met three years _____.

Etymology

From Middle English ago, agon, "passed," ultimately from Old English agan, "to pass away, go forth" — related to "gone."

Rhymes for ago

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial