English Language Discussion Forums

YOSHITAKEHORI · #1 10-Nov-2006, 03:08

I read one sentence " I was 20 before I realized that I loved my father." , but what is the deference in comparison with " I was 20 when I realized that I loved my father."
I can't understand its nuance. Could anyone please tell me? Thank you.

**Tdol** · #2 10-Nov-2006, 05:55

when- the time when I realised (neutral, or maybe there was an incident that made it clear)
before- emphasises the length of time a bit more (the person was a slow learner)

YOSHITAKEHORI · #3 12-Nov-2006, 02:25

Tdol,
Thank you very much!

Belly T · #4 12-Nov-2006, 02:34

This emphasises the length a bit more? What do you mean? That's mean the time she realized is after 20?

**Tdol** · #5 12-Nov-2006, 06:01

No, it emphasises how long it took him to realise it.