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Old 10-Nov-2006, 03:08
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Default I was 20 before I realized that I loved my father.

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.
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Old 10-Nov-2006, 05:55
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Default Re: I was 20 before I realized that I loved my father.

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)
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Old 12-Nov-2006, 02:25
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Default Re: I was 20 before I realized that I loved my father.

Tdol,
Thank you very much!
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Old 12-Nov-2006, 02:34
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Default Re: I was 20 before I realized that I loved my father.

This emphasises the length a bit more? What do you mean? That's mean the time she realized is after 20?
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Old 12-Nov-2006, 06:01
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Default Re: I was 20 before I realized that I loved my father.

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