How to Properly Use 以前(yǐqián) and 从前(cóngqián)? Take the Quiz!

Note:

(1) Both 以前 (yǐqián) and 从前 (cóngqián) can be used to refer to the past.

(2) 以前 (yǐqián) generally refers to a time before now, can be placed at the beginning or the middle of a sentence;

从前 (cóngqián) is always used at the very beginning of a story.

(3) 以前 (yǐqián) can be used after time words while 从前 (cóngqián) can’t.

Quiz:

Please select the appropriate words to fill in the blanks.

A.以前 (yǐqián)

B.从前 (cóngqián)

1. ______ , yǒu gè měilì de xiǎo cūnzhuāng.
______ ,有个美丽的小村庄。

2.tā tōngcháng 7 diǎn 40 ______ jiù lái shàngbānle.
他通常7点40 ______ 就来上班了。

3.wǒ ______ gēn yéyé nǎinai yìqǐ shēnghuó.
我 ______ 跟爷爷奶奶一起生活。

See Answer Analysis

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