Meaning and Usage
"前もって" means "in advance" or "beforehand." It is used to express doing something prior to an event or action to prepare or avoid problems.
Common Contexts
You often see "前もって" in contexts like making reservations, preparations, or giving prior notice. It implies planning ahead to ensure smooth progress.
Collocations and Patterns
- 前もって予約する: to make a reservation in advance
- 前もって準備する: to prepare beforehand
- 前もって知らせる: to inform in advance
Register and Nuance
"前もって" is neutral and polite, suitable for both casual and formal situations. It emphasizes the importance of prior action.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "前もって" with "あらかじめ," which is very similar but slightly more formal. Both can often be used interchangeably, but "前もって" is more common in spoken language.