come before
B2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
to be earlier than something, or to appear in front of an important person or group
Literal meaning: to move or appear in front of someone or something
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to be more important than something else
"For her, family always comes before work."
"The people I meet in my work come before the books I write."
— Alice Walker, interview quotation often cited in print
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral
to happen or exist earlier than something else
"A short introduction comes before the main chapter."
Grammar: inseparable
3 C1 formal
to appear before a court, committee, or other authority for judgment or discussion
"The case will come before the judge next week."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Common in formal and semi-formal contexts such as law, politics, and priorities. Often followed by a noun or pronoun.
Commonly used with
court judge committee parliament family career
Forms
Base
come before
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comes before
he/she/it
Past simple
came before
yesterday
Past participle
come before
have + pp
-ing form
coming before
continuous
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Synonyms
precede rank ahead of take priority over appear before be heard by
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