Smarter learning starts now!
Save 30% on annual Premium »

Avant de + infinitive = Before + -ing in French

Written by Qualified French Expert Aurélie Drouard HKH, Licence d'anglais LLCE
Last updated: 2024-04-11
19 questions

In French, to express "before" + ing , you use "avant de" + Infinitif.

Using "avant de" with Infinitif in French

Look at these sentences:

Ferme la porte à clé avant de partir !Lock the door before leaving!

Elle veut vérifier avant de prendre une décision.She wants to check before making a decision.

Avant de commencer, il aimerait porter un toast.Before starting, he'd like to raise a toast.

To express before + -ing in French, you use avant de followed by the infinitive form of the verb.

Note that any object pronoun or reflexive pronoun is placed between de and the infinitive.

J'étais malheureux avant de te rencontrer.I was unhappy before meeting you.

J'avais des doutes avant de lui parler.I had doubts before talking to him.

Lisez ce contrat avant de nous contacter.Read this contract before contacting us.

See the more advanced Avant que + ne explétif + the subjunctive mood (Le Subjonctif) = Before I do in French

 

Want to make sure your French sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related French grammar topics

Examples and resources

J'étais malheureux avant de te rencontrer.I was unhappy before meeting you.
Avant de commencer, il aimerait porter un toast.Before starting, he'd like to raise a toast.
Elle veut vérifier avant de prendre une décision.She wants to check before making a decision.
Ferme la porte à clé avant de partir !Lock the door before leaving!
J'ai pédalé dans la choucroute pendant une semaine avant de trouver une solution.I really struggled for a week before finding a solution.
J'avais des doutes avant de lui parler.I had doubts before talking to him.
Lisez ce contrat avant de nous contacter.Read this contract before contacting us.
Clever stuff happening!