When you talk about time in English, “ago” is one of the most useful words you can use. But it’s also one of the most commonly misused by English learners — even at the intermediate and advanced levels. Let’s take a look at the most frequent mistakes, why they happen, and how to use “ago” correctly.
📌 What Does “Ago” Actually Mean?
“Ago” tells how much time has passed since something happened.
It always refers to a point in the past — counting backward from now.
✅ Correct:
I came to Japan five years ago.
(= It’s been five years since I came to Japan.)
❌ Mistake #1: Using “Ago” with Future Time
❌ I will go to London 2 months ago.
This mistake happens when learners confuse past and future references.
Remember, “ago” is only used with the past.
✅ Correct:
I went to London 2 months ago.
❌ Not: I will go… ago
❌ Mistake #2: Using “Ago” with Present Perfect Tense
❌ I have seen that movie two weeks ago.
This is a very common mistake.
Why it’s wrong:
“Have seen” is present perfect. But “ago” needs a simple past verb, not present perfect.
✅ Correct:
I saw that movie two weeks ago.
❌ Not: have seen… ago
✅ Correct Present Perfect (without “ago”):
I have seen that movie before.
I have seen that movie recently.
❌ Mistake #3: Using “Ago” with “Since”
❌ Since three days ago, I have been tired.
This sentence is grammatically confusing because “since” and “ago” don’t go together.
✅ Correct Options:
I’ve been tired since Monday.
I’ve been tired for three days.
I started feeling tired three days ago.
Remember:
- Use “since + specific point in time” (since Monday, since 2010)
- Use “ago + simple past verb” (It started three days ago)
❌ Mistake #4: Using “Ago” with a Date or Year
❌ I was born ago in 2000.
This happens when learners try to mix two time expressions. You don’t need “ago” if you already give the date.
✅ Correct:
I was born in 2000.
✅ OR
I was born 24 years ago.
❌ Not: I was born ago in 2000
❌ Mistake #5: Word Order Problems
❌ Two years I met her ago.
This is just a matter of word placement. “Ago” should always go at the end of the time expression.
✅ Correct:
I met her two years ago.
❌ Not: Two years… ago I met her.
📝 Summary: How to Use “Ago” Correctly
| ❌ Common Mistake | ✅ Correction |
|---|---|
| I will go to London 2 months ago. | I went to London 2 months ago. |
| I have seen it 2 weeks ago. | I saw it 2 weeks ago. |
| Since 3 days ago, I’ve been tired. | I’ve been tired since Monday. |
| I was born ago in 2000. | I was born in 2000. / I was born 24 years ago. |
| Two years I met her ago. | I met her two years ago. |
🗣️ Practice Time!
Try to fix these sentences:
- I’ve studied English ago for three years.
- He has left two days ago.
- Since one year ago, I started playing guitar.
MK’s English is here to help you stop making small mistakes that can confuse native speakers. Mastering simple words like “ago” can make your English sound clearer and more natural. Keep practicing, and you’ll get there!
Please feel free to contact me when you are ready to improve your English. The first lesson is FREE!