EnglishClub ESL Forums

What does it mean when someone says I can be there before ______ ( time). Does that mean they are not available after that time or that they can be there before if needed and after that time?


I think I’m being misunderstood, so how do I write that I cannot be (lets say at a meeting) after a set time?

It means they can get there earlier than the given time.
E.g., I will get there before two o’clock. (This mean that, when two o’clock arrives they will already be there.)

If you cannot be at a place after a certain time, you could use until/till.
E.g., I will stay until/till nine o’clock.
Or,
I will come to the meeting but I will have to leave at nine o’clock.